Semi-Slav Defense: Stoltz Variation

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e3 e6 5.Nf3 Nbd7 6.Qc2

ECO D45

The Semi-Slav Defense: Stoltz Variation is a chess opening line in the Semi-Slav Defense complex, reached after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e3 e6 5.Nf3 Nbd7 6.Qc2.

It is catalogued under code D45 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO).

The defining move Qc2 is chosen by White on move 6.

2 named continuations branch from this position, including the Center Variation and the Shabalov Attack.

Named variations

• Semi-Slav Defense: Stoltz Variation, Center Variation — ECO D45
• Semi-Slav Defense: Stoltz Variation, Shabalov Attack — ECO D45

Study this line with a grandmaster

This position is covered in the Slav Defense course: a GM-authored repertoire you study move by move, then practice against a human-like AI opponent.

Every chess term used here is defined in the chess terms glossary. Browse all opening courses or the full ECO code index.