Orthodox: Tartakower Defence (...h6, ...b6) is variation 1 of 6 in the Queen's Gambit Declined course, a intermediate opening course for Black (ECO D58). It runs 26 moves and begins 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Be7 …. Black castles, kicks the bishop with ...h6 and fianchettoes with ...b6 and ...Bb7. After White takes on f6 and plays b4, Black accepts hanging pawns on c5 and d5 that give active piece play. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. d4 – White takes the centre and frees the c1 bishop.
1... d5 – Black claims an equal share of the centre and stops e4.
2. c4 – The Queen's Gambit: White attacks d5 to pull Black's pawn away from the centre.
2... e6 – Declines the gambit and keeps a pawn firmly on d5; the f8 bishop can now develop.
3. Nc3 – Adds a second attacker to d5 and develops toward the centre.
3... Nf6 – Develops, defends d5 again and controls e4.
4. Bg5 – Pins the f6 knight to the queen, adding indirect pressure on d5.
4... Be7 – Breaks the pin calmly and prepares to castle.
5. e3 – Supports d4 and opens the f1 bishop's diagonal.
5... O-O – Black gets the king safe before any central tension is resolved.
6. Nf3 – Develops the last minor piece toward the centre and covers e5.
6... h6 – Asks the bishop to decide: retreat to h4 or give up the bishop pair on f6.
7. Bh4 – Keeps the pin on f6 and the bishop pair.
7... b6 – The Tartakower idea: the c8 bishop will come to b7, solving Black's main problem piece.
8. Be2 – Simple development, preparing to castle.
8... Bb7 – The bishop eyes d5 and the long diagonal, supporting a later ...c5.
The lesson goes on for 10 more moves, each with its explanation.
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