Semi-Slav Defense: Gunderam Gambit (D31)

The Gunderam Gambit is a variation of the Semi-Slav Defense, catalogued as ECO D31. The line runs 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 c6 4. e4 dxe4 5. f3, reaching the position shown below after 9 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on e4), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at one minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is Black to move after five moves. Black has doubled pawns on the e-file.

On the Semi-Slav Defense generally: A complex defense combining ideas from the Slav and Queen's Gambit Declined.

You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.

Semi-Slav Defense: Gunderam Gambit — position after f3 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 c6 4. e4 dxe4 5. f3

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4d5
2c4e6
3Nc3c6
4e4dxe4
5f3

ECO: D31

Stockfish: -0.61 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Semi-Slav Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Gunderam Gambit?

The Gunderam Gambit goes 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 c6 4. e4 dxe4 5. f3. It is a variation of the Semi-Slav Defense and is catalogued as ECO D31.

What is the ECO code for the Gunderam Gambit?

The Gunderam Gambit is ECO D31. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Semi-Slav Defense.

Is the Gunderam Gambit good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 c6 4. e4 dxe4 5. f3 at -0.61 at depth 18, which is a small but real edge for Black. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.

What kind of position does the Gunderam Gambit lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on e4), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at one minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is Black to move. Black has doubled pawns on the e-file.