Semi-Slav Defense
A rock-solid yet combative answer to the Queen's Gambit. Black builds a ...c6/...e6 fortress and grabs the bishop pair with a timely ...dxc4.
Let's begin.
Press Learn to start, then play the moves yourself.
Play pawn to d5.
Variations in this course
Every line runs to a middlegame position with coach commentary at each fork. Playing Black, you'll meet:
- 1
Meran Variation
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.e3 Nbd7 6.Bd3 dxc4 7.Bxc4 b5 8.Bd3 Bb7 9.O-O a6 10.e4
- 2
Botvinnik (Bg5)
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.Bg5
Take it with you
Export this repertoire as a standard PGN — with the coach's notes as comments — to study it in Lichess, ChessBase, or any board you like. Sidelines are saved as PGN variations.
Related courses
More from the Queen's Gambit Family.
Queen's Gambit Accepted
One of the simplest, most reliable ways to meet 1.d4: equalize fast with clear ideas instead of a mountain of theory.
Catalan Opening
A powerful positional weapon for White. The fianchettoed bishop on g2 exerts long-term pressure on the center and queenside for the entire game.
Slav Defense
Defend d5 without locking in the light-squared bishop. The Slav is famously tough to crack and a favorite of world champions.
Queen's Gambit Declined
The most classical, respected defense to 1.d4. Black declines the gambit, builds a solid structure, and equalizes with precise piece play.