Tree path 10 levels Queen's Pawn Game › Queen's Gambit › Slav Defense › Modern Line › Slav Defense: Three Knights Variation › Semi-Slav Defense › Semi-Slav Defense Accepted › Semi-Slav Defense: Botvinnik Variation › Semi-Slav Defense: Botvinnik Variation › Lilienthal Variation
- Chess Codex
- Queen's Pawn Game D00
- Queen's Gambit D06
- Slav Defense D10
- Modern Line D11
- Slav Defense: Three Knights Variation D15
- Semi-Slav Defense D43
- Semi-Slav Defense Accepted D44
- Semi-Slav Defense: Botvinnik Variation D44
- Semi-Slav Defense: Botvinnik Variation D44
- Lilienthal Variation D44 you are here
Semi-Slav Defense: Botvinnik Variation, Lilienthal Variation
Overview
Semi-Slav Defense: Botvinnik Variation, Lilienthal Variation is a specific line in the Closed & Semi-Closed Games family (ECO D44), arising from a recognised theoretical position.
The Closed & Semi-Closed Games group covers closed and semi-closed games — 1.d4 systems characterised by long strategic manoeuvring rather than early tactics.
It is reached after 21 plies of play, with the move sequence 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 e6 5. Bg5 dxc4 6. e4 b5 7. e5 h6 8. Bh4 g5 9. Nxg5 hxg5 10. Bxg5 Nbd7 11. g3.
The line refines Semi-Slav Defense: Botvinnik Variation, which traces back to the root opening Queen's Pawn Game.
Explore the position on the interactive board, study its real-world results from Lichess, and challenge the engine when you are ready.
- ECO code
- D44
- Group
- Closed & Semi-Closed Games (D)
- Plies
- 21
This overview is generated automatically from the opening's metadata. Know this line well? Write a description — submissions are reviewed before publishing.
Statistics from Lichess
32,270 games · White 46.5% / Draw 5.0% / Black 48.4%
| Moves | Games | W / D / B |
|---|---|---|
| Bb7 | 18,202 | |
| Qb6 | 8,917 | |
| Qa5 | 1,749 | |
| Rg8 | 1,648 | |
| Be7 | 643 | |
| Bh6 | 278 | |
| Qc7 | 221 | |
| Bb4 | 219 |
Source: Lichess Opening Explorer · cached 2026-09-26 03:28:05
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