Tree path 7 levels Queen's Pawn Game › Queen's Gambit › Slav Defense › Slav Defense › Semi-Slav Defense: Main Line › Semi-Slav Defense: Normal Variation › Semi-Slav Defense: Stoltz Variation
D45

Semi-Slav Defense: Stoltz Variation

Open in Lichess
Share: X Reddit Telegram Facebook
Play from here → Click pieces to play, or use ← / → arrows.

Overview

Semi-Slav Defense: Stoltz Variation is a named branch in the Closed & Semi-Closed Games group of chess theory, classified under ECO D45.

The Closed & Semi-Closed Games group covers closed and semi-closed games — 1.d4 systems characterised by long strategic manoeuvring rather than early tactics.

It is reached after 11 plies of play, with the move sequence 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. e3 e6 5. Nf3 Nbd7 6. Qc2.

In the opening tree, this line branches off from Semi-Slav Defense: Normal Variation, part of the broader Queen's Pawn Game system.

3 named variations grow from this line, including Semi-Slav Defense: Chigorin Defense, Semi-Slav Defense: Chigorin Defense, Semi-Slav Defense: Stoltz Variation.

In total, the branch covers 6 sub-variations across all depths.

Use the board to walk through every move, check how the position has scored on Lichess, or take it head-to-head against Stockfish.

ECO code
D45
Group
Closed & Semi-Closed Games (D)
Plies
11
Parent
Semi-Slav Defense: Normal Variation
Direct variations
3
Total in subtree
6

This overview is generated automatically from the opening's metadata. A more detailed, human-written description is on the way — and you can speed it up by suggesting one yourself.

Statistics from Lichess

Loading…

Description

Write a description

Markdown supported (headings ###, bold, lists, links). Submissions are reviewed before publishing.

Variations (3)

Show all 6 sub-variations (full subtree)