Tarrasch Variation 3.Nd2 c5 is variation 3 of 6 in the French Defence course, a intermediate opening course for Black (ECO C07). It runs 24 moves and begins 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 c5 4. exd5 Qxd5 …. White plays 3.Nd2 to avoid the Winawer pin. Black strikes with 3...c5, accepts an isolated-pawn-free but open position after 4.exd5 Qxd5, and gets quick development with ...cxd4, ...Qd6, ...Nf6 and ...Nc6. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. e4 – White takes the centre and opens lines for the queen and the f1 bishop.
1... e6 – Black prepares ...d5 with the e6 pawn as a solid support.
2. d4 – White builds the classical two-pawn centre.
2... d5 – Black challenges e4 at once.
3. Nd2 – The Tarrasch: White defends e4 with the knight but keeps c3 free for the c-pawn and avoids the ...Bb4 pin of the Winawer.
3... c5 – Black hits d4 straight away. With the knight on d2 rather than c3, White has less control of d5, so opening the centre suits Black.
4. exd5 – White releases the tension and opens the centre.
4... Qxd5 – Black recaptures with the queen, keeping a healthy pawn structure. The queen is safe on d5 because White's c3 knight is not there to kick it.
5. Ngf3 – White develops and defends d4.
5... cxd4 – Black exchanges on d4 so that White's queenside knight has no c3 square to gain time on the queen.
6. Bc4 – White develops with tempo, hitting the queen on d5.
6... Qd6 – The best square for the queen: it keeps an eye on d4 and stays clear of tactics on the a2-g8 diagonal.
7. O-O – White castles and prepares Nb3 to win back the d4 pawn.
7... Nf6 – Black develops toward the centre and prepares to castle.
8. Nb3 – The knight attacks d4 a second time, so White will regain the pawn.
8... Nc6 – Black defends d4 for now and develops another piece.
The lesson goes on for 8 more moves, each with its explanation.
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