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Guided lesson · Intermediate · Openings

Tarrasch: the early ...c5 break

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In the Queen’s Gambit, ...c5 changes the structure early. You study two move orders for White that exchange on d5: Nf3 and dxc5, or e3 and Bb5+. Black’s d5-pawn may become isolated later, but initially it still has a neighbour on c5. Check captures and ...d4 before treating it as a weakness. The development order changes the bishop’s options and when you need to answer ...d4.

The key idea

Before attacking d5, calculate ...d4: the central pawn can gain time against your c3-knight.

Example 1 · Nf3 and the capture on c5

Capture on c5, but account for the other pawn advancing.

  1. dxc5 Capture on c5, but account for the other pawn advancing.
  2. d4 ...d4 attacks the c3-knight with tempo.
  3. Na4 Na4 escapes the attack and eyes c5.
  4. Bxc5 The bishop recovers c5 while developing; watch the advanced d4-pawn.

Example 2 · e3 and the check with Bb5+

Exchange on d5 to clarify the central structure.

  1. cxd5 Exchange on d5 to clarify the central structure.
  2. exd5 The e6-pawn recaptures and opens the c8 diagonal.
  3. Bb5+ Develop with check and force a defensive decision.
  4. Nc6 Nc6 blocks the check and pressures d4: development also defends.

Practice

You play White. Practice two decisions from this line: The ...d4 reply.

  1. Capture on c5, but account for the other pawn advancing. g3 is a main continuation. Here practise dxc5: the reply ...d4 forces you to move the knight. a3, e3, Bf4 are also playable, with different continuations.
  2. Na4 escapes the attack and eyes c5. Can the attacked knight retreat while eyeing the square of your capture?

On seeing ...c5, check both sides’ captures and ...d4 against the knight before judging pawn weaknesses.