Current position
Semi-Slav Defense: Botvinnik Variation
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.Bg5 dxc4
The Semi-Slav Defense Accepted starts with 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.Bg5 dxc4 and is catalogued under ECO D44, in the closed games half of the book. The catalog indexes 1 line inside it, grouped into 1 named variation, and the position after those moves has 1 playable continuation to walk from here.
Root edges show how often each move is played around your Elo. Use the arrow on a position to reveal the next replies.
Current setup
Move ideas
Takes central space with a protected pawn and frees the queen’s bishop.
Idea: Build a stable center that supports a broad positional setup.
Mirrors White’s central claim and prevents an easy e4 expansion.
Idea: Establish a firm center and develop behind the pawn chain.
Advances the c-pawn to gain queenside space and control new squares.
Idea: Create useful wing space while keeping the central structure flexible.
Advances the c-pawn to gain queenside space and control new squares.
Idea: Create useful wing space while keeping the central structure flexible.
Develops the knight to f3, bringing it into the game.
Idea: Improve piece coordination and clear the back rank for castling and the rooks.
Develops the knight to f6, bringing it into the game.
Idea: Improve piece coordination and clear the back rank for castling and the rooks.
Develops the knight to c3, bringing it into the game.
Idea: Improve piece coordination and clear the back rank for castling and the rooks.
Advances to e6 to claim central space and control nearby key squares.
Idea: Give the pieces room to develop behind a durable central foothold.
Develops the bishop to g5, bringing it into the game.
Idea: Improve piece coordination and clear the back rank for castling and the rooks.
Captures the pawn on c4 and changes the local pawn or piece balance.
Idea: Open lines in the queenside and reshape the center for the next phase.
Advances to e4 to claim central space and control nearby key squares.
Idea: Give the pieces room to develop behind a durable central foothold.
Advances the b-pawn to gain queenside space and control new squares.
Idea: Prepare a fianchetto or discourage the opponent’s expansion on that wing.
Advances to e5 to claim central space and control nearby key squares.
Idea: Give the pieces room to develop behind a durable central foothold.
Advances the h-pawn to gain kingside edge space and control new squares.
Idea: Create useful wing space while keeping the central structure flexible.
Repositions the bishop to h4, where it influences a new part of the board.
Idea: Improve the piece’s activity and support the next stage of the plan.
Advances the g-pawn to gain kingside space and control new squares.
Idea: Prepare a fianchetto or discourage the opponent’s expansion on that wing.
Captures the knight on f6 and changes the local pawn or piece balance.
Idea: Open lines in the kingside and reshape the center for the next phase.
Waiting for Lichess game popularity.
Each line below is an indexed entry under Semi-Slav Defense Accepted. Open one to load it on the board and keep exploring from that position.
ECO groups openings by the structures they lead to, so these families tend to share plans with the Semi-Slav Defense Accepted.