Semi-Slav Defense · D31
Anti-Noteboom, Stonewall Variation
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 c6 4. e3 f5
...e6 plus ...c6 holds d5 twice and threatens to take on c4 and keep it with ...b5 - solid structure with real sharpness underneath.
The first 4 moves, explained
- 1. d4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e5, and frees the bishop and queen.
- 1... d5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e4, and frees the bishop and queen.
- 2. c4 Challenges the pawn on d5 - the central tension has to resolve. The pawn is genuinely on offer - this is the Queen's Gambit: development and initiative over material.
- 2... e6 Supports the centre, adding control of d5. Theory calls this the Queen's Gambit Declined.
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Where this fits
This line is one of 69 in the Semi-Slav Defense. If you want to know where your own games leave it, the guide on leaving theory explains how that is found.