D48

Semi-Slav Defense: Meran Variation

Key moves: 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6

The Queen's Gambit Declined is one of the most solid and classical chess openings. Black defends the d5 pawn with ...e6, maintaining a strong central presence. The resulting positions are strategically rich with well-defined plans for both sides.

History & Notable Players

A cornerstone of chess strategy since the 19th century. It was the main battleground in many World Championship matches, particularly those of Capablanca, Alekhine, and Botvinnik.

Best Games

Gelfand,B vs Kasimdzhanov,R1/2-1/2
WCh Candidates s/f • 2007★ Notable
Nakamura,H vs Lastin,A1-0
FIDE WCh KO • 2004★ Notable
Karpov, Anatoly vs Anand, Viswanathan1-0
FIDE-Wch k.o. f • 1998★ Notable
Lautier, Joel vs Gelfand, Boris0-1
FIDE-Wch k.o. • 1997★ Notable
Gelfand, Boris vs Shirov, Alexei1/2-1/2
Biel • 1995★ Notable
Karpov, Anatoly vs Anand, Viswanathan0-1
Amber-rapid 3rd • 1994★ Notable
Karpov, Anatoly vs Kramnik, Vladimir1-0
Linares • 1994★ Notable
Karpov, Anatoly vs Kramnik, Vladimir0-1
Amber-rapid 3rd • 1994★ Notable
Gelfand, Boris vs Timman, Jan H1/2-1/2
Linares • 1992★ Notable
Gelfand, Boris vs Kamsky, Gata1-0
Linares • 1991★ Notable
Alekhine, Alexander vs Bogoljubow, Efim1-0
World Championship 15th • 1934★ Notable
L'Ami,E vs Ding Liren1/2-1/2
41st Olympiad Open 2014 • 2014
Eljanov,P vs Gelfand,B1-0
Tal Memorial • 2010
Aronian,L vs Gelfand,B1/2-1/2
XXVII SuperGM • 2010
Korchnoi,V vs Ljubojevic,L0-1
Corus Honorory • 2008
Korchnoi,V vs Ponomariov,R0-1
Czech Coal • 2007
Radjabov,T vs Van Wely,L0-1
Amber Rapid • 2007
Gelfand,B vs Kramnik,V1/2-1/2
Sparkassen • 2006
Adianto,U vs Gelfand,B1/2-1/2
37th Olympiad • 2006
Beliavsky,A vs L'Ami,E1/2-1/2
Corus B • 2006

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