Tree path 7 levels Queen's Pawn Game › Queen's Gambit › Slav Defense › Modern Line › Slav Defense: Three Knights Variation › Semi-Slav Defense › Moscow 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
- Moscow Variation D43 you are here
Semi-Slav Defense: Moscow Variation
Overview
Semi-Slav Defense: Moscow Variation is a specific line in the Closed & Semi-Closed Games family (ECO D43), 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.
Play reaches this position via 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 e6 5. Bg5 h6 6. Bxf6 Qxf6, after 12 plies of opening development.
The line refines Semi-Slav Defense, which traces back to the root opening Queen's Pawn Game.
It continues primarily into one named line, Semi-Slav Defense: Hastings Variation.
Explore the position on the interactive board, study its real-world results from Lichess, and challenge the engine when you are ready.
- ECO code
- D43
- Group
- Closed & Semi-Closed Games (D)
- Plies
- 12
- Parent
- Semi-Slav Defense
- Direct variations
- 1
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
109,646 games · White 48.7% / Draw 7.6% / Black 43.7%
| Moves | Games | W / D / B |
|---|---|---|
| e3 | 73,643 | |
| e4 | 16,291 | |
| cxd5 | 8,692 | |
| Qb3 | 4,094 | |
| Qc2 | 1,939 | |
| a3 | 1,650 | |
| g3 | 1,155 | |
| c5 | 779 |
Source: Lichess Opening Explorer · cached 2026-09-26 02:42:28
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