Semi-Slav Defense: Noteboom Variation, Abrahams Variation position after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 c6 4.Nf3 dxc4 5.a4 Bb4 6.e3 Bxc3+ 7.bxc3 b5 8.axb5 cxb5. White: pawn on d4, pawn on c3, pawn on e3, knight on f3, pawn on f2, pawn on g2, pawn on h2, rook on a1, bishop on c1, queen on d1, king on e1, bishop on f1, rook on h1. Black: rook on a8, knight on b8, bishop on c8, queen on d8, king on e8, knight on g8, rook on h8, pawn on a7, pawn on f7, pawn on g7, pawn on h7, pawn on e6, pawn on b5, pawn on c4.
Semi-Slav Defense: Noteboom Variation, Abrahams Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 c6 4.Nf3 dxc4 5.a4 Bb4 6.e3 Bxc3+ 7.bxc3 b5 8.axb5 cxb5. 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.Nf3 dxc4 5.a4 Bb4 6.e3 Bxc3+ 7.bxc3 b5 8.axb5 cxb5.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Semi-Slav Defense: Noteboom Variation, Abrahams Variation?
The Semi-Slav Defense: Noteboom Variation, Abrahams Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 c6 4.Nf3 dxc4 5.a4 Bb4 6.e3 Bxc3+ 7.bxc3 b5 8.axb5 cxb5. 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: Noteboom Variation, Abrahams Variation?
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 c6 4.Nf3 dxc4 5.a4 Bb4 6.e3 Bxc3+ 7.bxc3 b5 8.axb5 cxb5. After these moves it is white to move.
Is the Semi-Slav Defense: Noteboom Variation, Abrahams Variation good for beginners?
Experienced players willing to invest in theory. The Semi-Slav punishes improvisation more than most openings.