D43

Semi-Slav Defense

Key moves: 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6

The Semi-Slav is one of the most complex and theory-heavy openings in chess. Black combines the solid ...c6 and ...e6 setup, aiming for a strong centre while keeping options for active counterplay. The Meran and Anti-Meran systems offer rich tactical possibilities.

History & Notable Players

Has been a favourite of many world-class players including Vladimir Kramnik, Viswanathan Anand, and Fabiano Caruana. The Botvinnik system (5.Bg5 dxc4) is one of the sharpest lines in all of chess.

Best Games

Le,Quang Liem vs Keymer,Vincent0-1
57th Biel GM1 Rapid 2024 • 2024★ Notable
Radjabov,T vs Abdusattorov,Nodirbek0-1
Tata Steel IND Blitz Open • 2023★ Notable
Gukesh,D vs Abdusattorov,Nodirbek1-0
Tata Steel IND Blitz Open • 2023★ Notable
Radjabov,T vs Gukesh,D1/2-1/2
Tata Steel IND Rapid Open • 2023★ Notable
Keymer,Vincent vs Gelfand,B0-1
54th Biel GM Rapid 2021 • 2021★ Notable
Bykhovsky,Av vs Gelfand,B0-1
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 21 • 2021★ Notable
Petrosyan,M vs Erigaisi,Arjun0-1
PNWCC Bullet (1+1) 2020 • 2020★ Notable
Indjic,A vs Erigaisi,Arjun0-1
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 8 • 2020★ Notable
Mamedyarov,S vs Giri,A1/2-1/2
7th Sinquefield Cup 2019 • 2019★ Notable
Grischuk,A vs Ding Liren1/2-1/2
FIDE Candidates 2018 • 2018★ Notable
Morozevich,A vs Ponomariov,R1-0
50th Biel GM 2017 • 2017★ Notable
Caruana,F vs Anand,V1/2-1/2
3rd Sinquefield Cup 2015 • 2015★ Notable
Carlsen,M vs Topalov,V0-1
3rd Norway Chess 2015 • 2015★ Notable
Giri,A vs Ivanchuk,V1/2-1/2
77th Tata Steel GpA • 2015★ Notable
Kramnik,V vs Mamedyarov,S0-1
Tal Memorial Blitz 2014 • 2014★ Notable
Kramnik,V vs Topalov,V1-0
FIDE Candidates 2014 • 2014★ Notable
Aronian,L vs Kasimdzhanov,R1/2-1/2
40th Olympiad Open • 2012★ Notable
Kramnik,V vs Shirov,A1/2-1/2
40th Olympiad Open • 2012★ Notable
Kramnik,V vs Aronian,L1/2-1/2
Zurich Chess Challenge • 2012★ Notable
Kramnik,V vs Aronian,L0-1
Zurich Chess Challenge • 2012★ Notable

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