Queen's Gambit Declined: Marshall Defense, Tan Gambit as Black

Stockfish rates this +0.81, a clear advantage for White. That means you are already worse, and you need accuracy rather than hope. The database picture matches that verdict: across 48,500 games at this exact position, White scores more often than Black. For a practical learner, that makes this a defensive opening choice — you should expect to solve problems, not to coast through an easy equal game.

The engine’s best move here is dxc6, continuing dxc6 Nxc6 Nf3 Bg4. That is the main answer you should train first, because it is the clearest way to keep the position manageable. Your drill goal is simple: recognise this response, make it confidently, and avoid drifting into one of White’s more comfortable setups.

The most-played continuation is dxc6, with 36,059 games and White scoring 50.7%. The other common tries are Nc3, Nf3, e4, e3, and d6. In practical terms, you should expect White to choose the most direct capture very often, but you still need to be ready for quieter development moves too. Whatever White chooses, your first task is to stay solid and respond to the central tension correctly.

Several White moves are known to be less accurate, and the engine’s comparisons are useful for your training. Nc3 is an inaccuracy and loses about 0.5 pawns, with dxc6 as the better move. e4 is a mistake and loses about 1.2 pawns, again with dxc6 as the better move. e3 is an inaccuracy and loses about 0.8 pawns, with dxc6 as the better move. If White avoids these slips, you still need to know the best defence; if White makes them, you must still convert the extra comfort into a stable position.