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Indian Defense: Tartakower Attack: what should Black play?
Best move
c5-0.37
By playing c5, you immediately challenge White's central control and put pressure on the d4 pawn. This move is a high-level response that prevents White from simply developing…
- Games played
- 3.4K
- To move
- Black
- Evaluation
- -0.37
- Depth
- 18
Game counts: Lichess opening book. Move ranking and evaluation: Stockfish. How this page is built
Why c5 is the best move
c5! — Excellent Choice!
✅ One of 2 top moves — you found a winning strategy!
Why this move is excellent:
By playing c5, you immediately challenge White's central control and put pressure on the d4 pawn. This move is a high-level response that prevents White from simply developing comfortably behind their g3 and a3 setup.
Multiple Valid Strategies
| Move | Eval | Style / Strategic Idea |
|---|---|---|
| c5 | -0.37 | Dynamic & Challenging: Fights for the center immediately and creates tension. |
| d5 | -0.37 | Solid & Classical: Claims central space and prepares natural development for the f8. |
Different paths, same destination: While most players (28%) instinctively choose the solid d5, your choice of c5 is a sophisticated alternative found by only 4% of humans. Both moves are objectively equal, but c5 leads to a more fluid, counter-attacking game where you dictate the pace of the central exchanges.
Your Continuation
After c5:
Nf3 d5 Bg2 cxd4 Nxd4
What Made This Move Good
You correctly saw: That White's slow setup with a3 and g3 gave you the tempo needed to strike at the d4 square. You didn't just react; you took the initiative!
📚 Takeaway: In positions with multiple good moves, trust your style. Whether you prefer the immediate tension of c5 or the stability of d5, both paths lead to an excellent game for Black!
What else gets played here
Move choices from 3.4K games in the opening book, with the engine's evaluation of each.
| Move | Evaluation | Played | Games | White score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| d5 | -0.37 | 2.2K | 50% | |
| c5Engine pick | -0.37 | 821 | 50% | |
| Be7 | -0.08 | 423 | 51% | |
| a6 | -0.04 | 0 | — | |
| b5 | +0.02 | 0 | — |
More positions in the Indian Defense
- Best movee6Pawn e7 → e6Indian Defense: Normal Variation107M games
- Best moveh4Pawn h2 → h4Indian Defense: West Indian Defense40M games
- Best moved5Pawn d7 → d5Indian Defense: Accelerated London System33M games
- Best moved5Pawn d7 → d5Indian Defense24M games
- Best moveNc3Knight b1 → c3Indian Defense: Anti-Nimzo-Indian21M games
- Best movee6Pawn e7 → e6Indian Defense21M games
Frequently asked questions
What is the best move for Black in the Indian Defense: Tartakower Attack?
c5 (-0.37). By playing c5, you immediately challenge White's central control and put pressure on the d4 pawn. This move is a high-level response that prevents White from simply developing…
Why is c5 the best move here?
By playing c5, you immediately challenge White's central control and put pressure on the d4 pawn. This move is a high-level response that prevents White from simply developing comfortably behind their g3 and a3 setup.
How often does this position occur?
This position has been reached 3.4K times in the opening book.