Semi-Slav Defense: Marshall Gambit, Tolush Variation position after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 c6 4.e4 dxe4 5.Nxe4 Bb4+ 6.Bd2 Qxd4 7.Bxb4 Qxe4+ 8.Be2 c5 9.Bxc5 Qxg2. White: bishop on c5, pawn on c4, pawn on a2, pawn on b2, bishop on e2, pawn on f2, pawn on h2, rook on a1, queen on d1, king on e1, knight on g1, rook on h1. Black: rook on a8, knight on b8, bishop on c8, king on e8, knight on g8, rook on h8, pawn on a7, pawn on b7, pawn on f7, pawn on g7, pawn on h7, pawn on e6, queen on g2.
Semi-Slav Defense: Marshall Gambit, Tolush Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 c6 4.e4 dxe4 5.Nxe4 Bb4+ 6.Bd2 Qxd4 7.Bxb4 Qxe4+ 8.Be2 c5 9.Bxc5 Qxg2. It is classified D31 in the ECO system, and the position after these moves has white to move. The Semi-Slav combines the Slav's c6 with the Queen's Gambit Declined's e6, giving Black an extremely solid centre at the cost of once again blocking in the light-squared bishop. It leads to some of the sharpest and most heavily analysed positions in all of chess.
Strategic character
Two main directions define it: the Meran, where Black plays dxc4 and b5 for queenside expansion, and the Botvinnik, an enormously complicated line where both kings come under fire and concrete knowledge matters more than general principles.
Who should play it
Experienced players willing to invest in theory. The Semi-Slav punishes improvisation more than most openings.
This line is a variation within the Semi-Slav Defense family. The strategic ideas above describe the family as a whole; this particular line reaches them by the move order 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 c6 4.e4 dxe4 5.Nxe4 Bb4+ 6.Bd2 Qxd4 7.Bxb4 Qxe4+ 8.Be2 c5 9.Bxc5 Qxg2.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Semi-Slav Defense: Marshall Gambit, Tolush Variation?
The Semi-Slav Defense: Marshall Gambit, Tolush Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 c6 4.e4 dxe4 5.Nxe4 Bb4+ 6.Bd2 Qxd4 7.Bxb4 Qxe4+ 8.Be2 c5 9.Bxc5 Qxg2. It is classified D31 in the ECO system. The Semi-Slav combines the Slav's c6 with the Queen's Gambit Declined's e6, giving Black an extremely solid centre at the cost of once again blocking in the light-squared bishop. It leads to some of the sharpest and most heavily analysed positions in all of chess.
What are the moves of the Semi-Slav Defense: Marshall Gambit, Tolush Variation?
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 c6 4.e4 dxe4 5.Nxe4 Bb4+ 6.Bd2 Qxd4 7.Bxb4 Qxe4+ 8.Be2 c5 9.Bxc5 Qxg2. After these moves it is white to move.
Is the Semi-Slav Defense: Marshall Gambit, Tolush Variation good for beginners?
Experienced players willing to invest in theory. The Semi-Slav punishes improvisation more than most openings.