5.dxc5 d4: Black grabs space is variation 4 of 6 in the Tarrasch Defence course, a advanced opening course for Black (ECO D32). It runs 22 moves and begins 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 c5 4. cxd5 exd5 …. White takes the c5 pawn at once. Black does not hurry to win it back and pushes 5...d4 to gain space with tempo. The knight trade on f6 brings the queen out. Black wins the pawn back and has an easy game. 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.
1... d5 – Black claims an equal share.
2. c4 – The Queen's Gambit.
2... e6 – Black supports d5.
3. Nc3 – White attacks d5 again.
3... c5 – The Tarrasch Defence.
4. cxd5 – White takes on d5.
4... exd5 – Black takes back.
5. dxc5 – White grabs the c5 pawn. It is popular, but it lets Black gain space with tempo.
5... d4 – The strongest answer. The pawn kicks the c3 knight and gains space.
6. Ne4 – The best square for the knight. It stays in the centre.
6... Nf6 – Black develops and offers a knight trade.
7. Nxf6+ – White trades the knights.
7... Qxf6 – The queen takes back and gets active.
8. Nf3 – White develops and attacks the d4 pawn.
8... Bxc5 – Black wins the pawn back. Material is equal again.
The lesson goes on for 6 more moves, each with its explanation.
chessGM