The Semi-Tarrasch arises in the Queen's Gambit Declined after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 c5 (ECO D40), when Black recaptures on d5 with the knight rather than the pawn.
Unlike the Tarrasch Defence, Black avoids the isolated pawn: after the exchanges in the centre the isolani more often ends up with White, and Black gets a solid position with active pieces. The play frequently runs against White's hanging or isolated pawns.
The Semi-Tarrasch is a reliable yet not initiative-free system for Black, used by Spassky and Kasparov. A good balance of solidity and counterplay.
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