Tarrasch Defense: Schara Gambit

Before the first move

The Schara Gambit is a sharp and aggressive response to the Queen's Gambit. By sacrificing a pawn early, Black gains rapid development and creates immediate tactical problems for White. It is a high-stakes battle where Black seeks to seize the initiative before White can consolidate their material advantage.

1. d4White

White starts with d4, the most common alternative to e4. By occupying the center, White prepares to develop their pieces behind a sturdy pawn shield. You can respond with classic moves like d5 or Nf6, or even explore sharper options like the Englund Gambit.

1... d5Black · your move

Move your pawn to d5. By mirroring White's move, you establish your own claim in the center and prevent White from easily pushing e4. This leads to a structured battle where both sides fight for central dominance.

Other paths here: Na6 (Australian Defense) · g5 (Borg Defense: Borg Gambit) · b6 (English Defense) · e5 (Englund Gambit)

2. c4White

White plays c4, the signature move of the Queen's Gambit. White is already pressuring your d5-pawn. You must decide whether to accept the gambit, defend solidly with e6 or c6, or even try the Chigorin Defense with Nc3.

Other paths here: Qd3 (Amazon Attack) · e4 (Blackmar-Diemer Gambit) · e3 (Queen's Pawn Game) · Bf4 (Queen's Pawn Game: Accelerated London System)

2... e6Black · your move

Support your center by moving your pawn to e6. This solidifies your d5-pawn and opens the path for your king's bishop. You are entering the Queen's Gambit Declined, one of the most respected and resilient setups in chess.

Other paths here: c5 (Queen's Gambit Declined: Austrian Defense) · Bf5 (Queen's Gambit Declined: Baltic Defense) · Nf6 (Queen's Gambit Declined: Marshall Defense) · b5 (Queen's Gambit Declined: Zilbermints Gambit)

3. Nc3White

White plays Nc3, increasing the tension on your d5-pawn. This is the most ambitious continuation, though White could also choose the solid Nf3 or the Exchange Variation with cxd5 to simplify the position and dictate the pawn structure.

Other paths here: Bf4 (QGD: 3.Bf4) · cxd5 (QGD: 3.cxd5) · e3 (QGD: 3.e3) · g3 (QGD: 3.g3)

3... c5Black · your move

Strike at the center with c5. This move characterizes the Tarrasch Defense. You are challenging White's d4-pawn directly and preparing to open lines for your pieces, even if it results in an isolated queen's pawn later.

Other paths here: Bb4 (QGD: 3.Nc3 Bb4) · Nc6 (QGD: 3.Nc3 Nc6) · Be7 (Queen's Gambit Declined: Charousek Variation) · a6 (Queen's Gambit Declined: Janowski Variation)

4. cxd5White

White plays cxd5, the most testing reply. White wants to see how you will recapture. While the main line Tarrasch continues with exd5, the Schara Gambit you are playing is about to take a much more aggressive turn.

Other paths here: e3 (QGD Tarrasch: 4.e3) · Nf3 (QGD Tarrasch: 4.Nf3)

4... cxd4Black · your move

Capture the pawn on d4 with your c-pawn. This is the defining move of the Schara Gambit. Instead of recapturing on d5, you counter-attack White's center, creating a chaotic and tactical position where your pieces will soon find active squares.

Other paths here: exd5 (Queen's Gambit Declined: Tarrasch Defense)

Where you stand

The position is highly unbalanced. White usually captures on d4 with the queen, after which Black gains time by attacking it with Nc6. Black's plan involves rapid development of the bishops to f5 or g4 and long-side castling to launch a direct assault. White must defend accurately, use their extra pawn wisely, and try to neutralize Black's early initiative.

• d1-d4 Capture the d4 pawn to centralize the queen.
• b8-c6 Develop the knight to attack the white queen.
• c1-f4 Develop the bishop to control the center.
• c8-f5 Place the bishop on an active diagonal.
• e8-c8 Castle queenside to bring the rook into play.