Semi-Slav Defense: Meran Variation, Pirc Variation position after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 c6 4.e3 Nf6 5.Nf3 Nbd7 6.Bd3 dxc4 7.Bxc4 b5 8.Bd3 a6 9.e4 b4. White: pawn on d4, pawn on e4, knight on c3, bishop on d3, knight on f3, pawn on a2, pawn on b2, pawn on f2, pawn on g2, pawn on h2, rook on a1, bishop on c1, queen on d1, king on e1, rook on h1. Black: rook on a8, bishop on c8, queen on d8, king on e8, bishop on f8, rook on h8, knight on d7, pawn on f7, pawn on g7, pawn on h7, pawn on a6, pawn on c6, pawn on e6, knight on f6, pawn on b4.
Semi-Slav Defense: Meran Variation, Pirc Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 c6 4.e3 Nf6 5.Nf3 Nbd7 6.Bd3 dxc4 7.Bxc4 b5 8.Bd3 a6 9.e4 b4. It is classified D48 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.e3 Nf6 5.Nf3 Nbd7 6.Bd3 dxc4 7.Bxc4 b5 8.Bd3 a6 9.e4 b4.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Semi-Slav Defense: Meran Variation, Pirc Variation?
The Semi-Slav Defense: Meran Variation, Pirc Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 c6 4.e3 Nf6 5.Nf3 Nbd7 6.Bd3 dxc4 7.Bxc4 b5 8.Bd3 a6 9.e4 b4. It is classified D48 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: Meran Variation, Pirc Variation?
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 c6 4.e3 Nf6 5.Nf3 Nbd7 6.Bd3 dxc4 7.Bxc4 b5 8.Bd3 a6 9.e4 b4. After these moves it is white to move.
Is the Semi-Slav Defense: Meran Variation, Pirc Variation good for beginners?
Experienced players willing to invest in theory. The Semi-Slav punishes improvisation more than most openings.