Tartakower-Makogonov-Bondarevsky System

d4 d5 c4 e6 Nc3 Nf6 cxd5 exd5 Bg5 Be7 e3 O-O Bd3 h6 Level: INTERMEDIATE
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The TMB System (1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bg5 Be7 6.e3 O-O 7.Bd3 h6) is a solid Queen's Gambit Declined setup where Black challenges White's bishop and prepares to develop the queenside.

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Key ideas

Challenge White's bishop with ...h6; Develop pieces harmoniously; Maintain solid structure; Prepare queenside counterplay

Strengths

Solid pawn structure; challenges White's pieces; clear development plans; reliable at all levels

Watch out for

Slightly passive; White maintains slight advantage; requires accurate move order; can lead to drawish positions

Typical pawn structure

Solid QGD structure with ...h6

Common mistakes

Too passive; Allowing White unchallenged advantage; Weak piece coordination; Mistiming breaks

History

Named after Tartakower, Makogonov, and Bondarevsky who contributed to its development. A solid system within the Queen's Gambit Declined.

Famous games

Classical QGD games

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