Semi-Slav Defense · D31

Marshall Gambit

1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 c6 4. e4

The pawns on d5 and e4 stand in direct tension - the first player to resolve it chooses the structure. ...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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