Semi-Slav Defense: Meran Variation, Lundin Variation (D47)

The Meran Variation, Lundin Variation is a variation of the Semi-Slav Defense, catalogued as ECO D47. The line runs 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 e6 5. e3 Nbd7 6. Bd3 dxc4 7. Bxc4 b5 8. Bd3 b4, reaching the position shown below after 16 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on d4. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is White to move after eight moves.

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

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Semi-Slav Defense: Meran Variation, Lundin Variation — position after b4 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 e6 5. e3 Nbd7 6. Bd3 dxc4 7. Bxc4 b5 8. Bd3 b4

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4d5
2c4c6
3Nf3Nf6
4Nc3e6
5e3Nbd7
6Bd3dxc4
7Bxc4b5
8Bd3b4

ECO: D47

Stockfish: +0.32 at depth 18

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Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Meran Variation, Lundin Variation?

The Meran Variation, Lundin Variation goes 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 e6 5. e3 Nbd7 6. Bd3 dxc4 7. Bxc4 b5 8. Bd3 b4. It is a variation of the Semi-Slav Defense and is catalogued as ECO D47.

What is the ECO code for the Meran Variation, Lundin Variation?

The Meran Variation, Lundin Variation is ECO D47. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Semi-Slav Defense.

Is the Meran Variation, Lundin Variation good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 e6 5. e3 Nbd7 6. Bd3 dxc4 7. Bxc4 b5 8. Bd3 b4 at +0.32 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for White, within normal opening margins. 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 Meran Variation, Lundin Variation lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on d4. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is White to move.