Semi-Slav Defense: Stoltz Variation

What Is The Stoltz Variation?

6.Qc2 leaves the light squared bishop at home one move longer, and that detail defines the variation. Delaying Bd3 blunts the Meran: the bishop can go straight to c4, so ...dxc4 and ...b5 no longer chase it with gain of time. The queen backs the e3-e4 push and, once Bd3 follows, supports the bishop's aim at h7.

Black answers 6...Bd6, and White chooses. The Shabalov Attack, 7.g4, offers the pawn to chase the f6 knight, grab space and rip open the g-file at Black's king. The Center Variation, 7.e4, builds the big centre immediately. Everything then turns on the freeing breaks: get in ...e5 or ...c5 and Black's pieces come alive, fail and White's centre simply rolls forward.

How Do You Play Against The Semi-Slav Defense: Stoltz Variation?

There is no record for this position. White has played 6.Qc2, a flexible move that supports e4, defends c4 indirectly and avoids committing the bishop before Black has shown a plan.

Qc2 is a waiting move with a purpose, so meet it by committing to a structure rather than waiting back. ...dxc4 followed by ...b5 goes for the Meran ideas immediately, and ...Bd6 or ...Be7 with ...O-O plays it slower. Drifting is the one thing that does not work: White's setup improves on its own while Black's does not, so choose a plan while the choice is still yours.

What Do Players Choose At The Decision Point?

Move	Share		Games
Bd3	46%		91
Qc2	15%		30
cxd5	14%		28
Be2	8%		16