The Stoltz Variation, Center Variation is a variation of the Semi-Slav Defense, catalogued as ECO D45. The line runs 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 e6 5. e3 Nbd7 6. Qc2 Bd6 7. e4, reaching the position shown below after 13 half-moves.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4 and e4, Black on d5), and two pawn captures are available, so the structure is still fluid. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move after seven moves.
On the Semi-Slav Defense generally: A complex defense combining ideas from the Slav and Queen's Gambit Declined.
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The Stoltz Variation, Center Variation goes 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 e6 5. e3 Nbd7 6. Qc2 Bd6 7. e4. It is a variation of the Semi-Slav Defense and is catalogued as ECO D45.
The Stoltz Variation, Center Variation is ECO D45. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Semi-Slav Defense.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 e6 5. e3 Nbd7 6. Qc2 Bd6 7. e4 at -0.30 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for Black, 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.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4 and e4, Black on d5), and two pawn captures are available, so the structure is still fluid. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move.