ECO D43 · for Black
Semi-Slav Defense
The line below is what Lichess 1600-1800 players actually play: after the opening's defining moves, each move is the most common choice at that point. The notes are Chessbook's move notes, the same ones shown while building a repertoire.
1,805,290 games in this band reached the Semi-Slav Defense position. From there Black won 45% and drew 4%.
1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 e6 5. Bg5 Be7 6. e3 O-O 7. Bd3 Nbd7 8. O-O
Moves 1 to 2
1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6
1. d4
The Queen's Pawn opening is more usually more positional in nature, White intends to develop the pieces while having a share of the center.
1... d5
Controlling the center and opening up the diagonal for the light-Squared bishop
2. c4
Immediately contesting the center. In most cases this is not a genuine gambit, since black can't retain the pawn without large concessions.
2... c6
Preparing to counterattack in the center with ...dxc4 and ...b5, a setup known as the Slav Defense.
Moves 3 to 4
3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 e6
3. Nf3
White keeps the tension in the center and develops a piece
3... Nf6
Black continues with development
4. Nc3
Developing the knight, fighting for better central control.
4... e6
Creating a very strong center and overprotecting d5.
Moves 5 to 6
5. Bg5 Be7 6. e3 O-O
5. Bg5
Developing the bishop while pinning the knight allowing for a possible e4 break.
- 5. e3: Supporting the center and protecting the c4 pawn.
5... Be7
6. e3
6... O-O
Moves 7 to 8
7. Bd3 Nbd7 8. O-O
7. Bd3
7... Nbd7
8. O-O
Plans for Black in this position
What Black usually does from here in Chessbook's games data. Hover a move to see it on the board.
- The light-squared bishop is typically fianchettoed on b7
- The pawn on d5 generally captures the pawn on c4
- Common pawn moves are h6, c5, b6, b5, and a6
Related opening guides
- Sicilian Defense for Black
- French Defense for Black
- Scandinavian Defense for Black
- Queen's Gambit for White
- Caro-Kann Defense for Black
- Scandinavian Defense: Mieses-Kotroc Variation for Black