Semi-Slav Defense: Stoltz Variation, Center Variation
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Statistics from Lichess
4,249 games: White 50.0% / Draw 7.7% / Black 42.3%
| Next move | Games | White / Draw / BlackW / D / B |
|---|---|---|
| 3,8713,871 | ||
| 182182 | ||
| 8686 | ||
| 5252 | ||
| 1515 | ||
| 1313 | ||
| 1111 | ||
| 55 |
Rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, from the Lichess opening explorer, updated Oct 28, 2026
Engine evaluation
−0.18 The position is about equal
Best play: 7... Nxe4 8. Nxe4 dxe4 9. Qxe4 e5 10. dxe5 O-O 11. Bd3 f5 12. Qe2
Stockfish 19, depth 30, after the line's last move. Scores are in pawns, from White's side.
Overview
Semi-Slav Defense: Stoltz Variation, Center Variation (ECO D45, Closed & Semi-Closed Games) is a variation of the Semi-Slav Defense, reached after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 e6 5. e3 Nbd7 6. Qc2 Bd6 7. e4 (7 moves).
In 4,249 rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, White won 50.0%, Black 42.3% and 7.7% were drawn. Black's most played move here is 7…dxe4, in 91% of those games.
It continues into one named variation, Semi-Slav Defense: Stoltz Variation, Center Variation, Mikhalchishin Line.
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Variations (1)
Cite this page
Caissa Codex. “Semi-Slav Defense: Stoltz Variation, Center Variation (D45)”. Lichess data as of 28 Oct 2026. https://chesscodex.org/openings/semi-slav-defense-stoltz-variation-center-variation