Tarrasch Defense: Classical Variation

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 c5 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Nf3 Nc6 6.g3 Nf6 7.Bg2 Be7 8.O-O O-O · ECO D34 · White to move

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What Tarrasch Defense: Classical Variation puts on the board

Material is level, with white to move.

White has central pawns on d4; Black has central pawns on d5.

White has castled kingside; Black has castled kingside.

The c-file is half-open for White, giving that side a natural pressure lane.

Reference links and alternate move orders