Tree path 11 levels Queen's Pawn Game › Queen's Gambit › Slav Defense › Slav Defense › Semi-Slav Defense: Main Line › Semi-Slav Defense: Normal Variation › Semi-Slav Defense: Stoltz Variation › Semi-Slav Defense: Stoltz Variation › Semi-Slav Defense: Stoltz Variation › Semi-Slav Defense: Chigorin Defense › Semi-Slav Defense: Main Line
- Chess Codex
- Queen's Pawn Game D00
- Queen's Gambit D06
- Slav Defense D10
- Slav Defense D10
- Semi-Slav Defense: Main Line D45
- Semi-Slav Defense: Normal Variation D45
- Semi-Slav Defense: Stoltz Variation D45
- Semi-Slav Defense: Stoltz Variation D45
- Semi-Slav Defense: Stoltz Variation D45
- Semi-Slav Defense: Chigorin Defense D46
- Semi-Slav Defense: Main Line D46 you are here
Semi-Slav Defense: Main Line
Overview
Semi-Slav Defense: Main Line is a specific line in the Closed & Semi-Closed Games family (ECO D46), 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 begins with 19 plies and takes 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. e3 e6 5. Nf3 Nbd7 6. Qc2 b6 7. b3 Bb7 8. Bd3 Be7 9. O-O O-O 10. Bb2 to reach the canonical position.
The line refines Semi-Slav Defense: Chigorin Defense, 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
- D46
- Group
- Closed & Semi-Closed Games (D)
- Plies
- 19
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
12,912 games · White 50.5% / Draw 7.5% / Black 41.9%
| Moves | Games | W / D / B |
|---|---|---|
| Rc8 | 6,588 | |
| c5 | 2,305 | |
| h6 | 1,946 | |
| Re8 | 599 | |
| dxc4 | 582 | |
| Qc7 | 281 | |
| a6 | 225 | |
| g6 | 207 |
Source: Lichess Opening Explorer · cached 2026-09-26 03:24:17
Write a description
Markdown supported (headings ###, bold, lists, links).
Submissions are reviewed before publishing.