Slav Defense: Geller Gambit (D15)

The Geller Gambit is a variation of the Slav Defense, catalogued as ECO D15. The line runs 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. e4 b5 6. e5, reaching the position shown below after 11 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on d4 and e5. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is Black to move after six moves. Black has doubled pawns on the c-file.

On the Slav Defense generally: A solid defense to the Queen's Gambit. Black supports d5 with c6 while keeping the bishop active.

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.

Slav Defense: Geller Gambit — position after e5 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. e4 b5 6. e5

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4d5
2c4c6
3Nf3Nf6
4Nc3dxc4
5e4b5
6e5

ECO: D15

Stockfish: -0.46 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Slav Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Geller Gambit?

The Geller Gambit goes 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. e4 b5 6. e5. It is a variation of the Slav Defense and is catalogued as ECO D15.

What is the ECO code for the Geller Gambit?

The Geller Gambit is ECO D15. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Slav Defense.

Is the Geller Gambit good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. e4 b5 6. e5 at -0.46 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.

What kind of position does the Geller Gambit lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on d4 and e5. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is Black to move. Black has doubled pawns on the c-file.