Chess opening · ECO D43
Semi-Slav Defense
The Semi-Slav Defense starts 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 e6. It ranks #152 of the 174 openings on this site by how often rated players on Lichess reach it.
Move by move
- 1. d4White pushes the d-pawn two squares to d4, staking a claim in the center.
- 1... d5Black pushes the d-pawn two squares to d5, staking a claim in the center.
- 2. c4White pushes the c-pawn two squares to c4.
- 2... c6Black advances the c-pawn to c6.
- 3. Nf3White develops the kingside knight to f3.
- 3... Nf6Black develops the kingside knight to f6.
- 4. Nc3White develops the queenside knight to c3.
- 4... e6Black advances the e-pawn to e6.
What players choose next, by rating
The three most common White moves from this position in rated Lichess games, grouped by the rating of the player making the move. Bg5 is the most popular next move in every rating band.
| Rating | Most common | Second | Third |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1200–1399 | Bg5 51% | e3 35% | Bf4 14% |
| 1400–1599 | Bg5 50% | e3 24% | Bf4 12% |
| 1600–1799 | Bg5 53% | e3 25% | Bf4 10% |
| 1800–1999 | Bg5 51% | e3 29% | Bf4 9% |
| 2000 and up | Bg5 49% | e3 27% | cxd5 8% |
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