Tree path 8 levels Queen's Pawn Game › Queen's Gambit › Slav Defense › Modern Line › Slav Defense: Three Knights Variation › Slav Defense: Two Knights Attack › Slav Defense: Alapin Variation › Slav Defense: Smyslov Variation
- Chess Codex
- Queen's Pawn Game D00
- Queen's Gambit D06
- Slav Defense D10
- Modern Line D11
- Slav Defense: Three Knights Variation D15
- Slav Defense: Two Knights Attack D15
- Slav Defense: Alapin Variation D16
- Slav Defense: Smyslov Variation D16 you are here
Slav Defense: Smyslov Variation
Overview
Slav Defense: Smyslov Variation is a specific line in the Closed & Semi-Closed Games family (ECO D16), 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 10 plies of play, with the move sequence 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. a4 Na6.
The line refines Slav Defense: Alapin 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
- D16
- Group
- Closed & Semi-Closed Games (D)
- Plies
- 10
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
15,370 games · White 41.9% / Draw 7.0% / Black 51.1%
| Moves | Games | W / D / B |
|---|---|---|
| e4 | 6,648 | |
| e3 | 5,763 | |
| Ne5 | 1,554 | |
| Bg5 | 740 | |
| g3 | 313 | |
| Bf4 | 301 | |
| a5 | 18 | |
| h3 | 17 |
Source: Lichess Opening Explorer · cached 2026-09-26 02:20:49
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Submissions are reviewed before publishing.