Semi-Slav Defense: Stoltz Variation, Center Variation

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.e3 Nbd7 6.Qc2 Bd6 7.e4

ECO D45

The Semi-Slav Defense: Stoltz Variation, Center Variation is a chess opening line in the Semi-Slav Defense complex, reached after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.e3 Nbd7 6.Qc2 Bd6 7.e4.

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

The defining move e4 is chosen by White on move 7.

One named continuation branches from this position: the Mikhalchishin Line.

Named variations

• Semi-Slav Defense: Stoltz Variation, Center Variation, Mikhalchishin Line — 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.