The Semi-Slav is actually a very exciting opening, but there are a lot of lines where you could lose just because you are not up-to-date with the latest theory (like the famous Botvinnik Variation). Vishy Anand has been another great contributor to the theory and development of this variation and he still employs it quite often nowadays. The moves of this opening are 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6. For those wanting to find out more, we have the following courses. In the 7th century, the Frankish merchant Samo supported the Slavs against their Avar rulers and became the ruler of the first known Slav state in Central Europe, Samo's Empire. Usually I play against both the Slav and Semi-Slav as White. In the mainlines after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3, for example, you can play the Classical Variation with 4…dxc4, the Chebanenko Slav with 4…a6, the Schlechter Slav with 4…g6, the Schallopp Variation with 4…Bf5 and, of course, the Semi-Slav with 4…e6. Make sure you know the difference between a Slav and a Semi-Slav. Slav Exchange Variation which arises after 3 cxd5 cxd5 generally leads to draws with its symmetrical play with limited opportunities for both players. In the ordinary Slav Defence after 1.d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Lifetime Repertoires: Semi-Slav by GM Sam Shankland. Opening Survey: Slav and Semi-Slav Defences - Part 9. Short and Sweet: Semi-Slav Note that I'm ignoring transpositions to the QGD, for instance, because they must go "through" the Semi-Slav and I name an opening variation based on the position reached, not the move order to get there. There are some lines that are totally unclear as well (like the main line Meran). Semi Slav Defense. It is a fascinating opening that has been played at the highest level and continues to pass the test of time. Slav Defense. Semi Slav This is for two reasons. The Semi Slav Defense was one of Kasparov’s most dangerous weapons when he was in his prime, but many other attacking players like Shirov, Dreev, Topalov have also played it with success. Let’s check the more important variations of the Slav opening. The Slav Defense is one of the most popular openings with GM’s. Semi-Slav Defense - Wikipedia The Semi-Slav Defense is one of the most popular defenses for black against the Queen’s Gambit line from white. Thus, 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 starts as a Slav, 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 changes to a Semi-Slav, and 5.Bg5 Nbd7 6.e3 finally transposes to a QGD. In short, the Semi-Slav can be played in many different ways, from both sides of the board. When Slav migrations ended, their first state organizations appeared, each headed by a prince with a treasury and a military force. Let’s see a game of Semi Slav Defense. This opening is seen at all levels of chess competition and is often seen as one of the most sound defenses at top level play. 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