Semi-Slav Defense: Stoltz Variation
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e3 e6 5.Nf3 Nbd7 6.Qc2
Stoltz Variation
1.2.3.4.5.6.
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 denies Black the Meran: there is no bishop on d3 for ...dxc4 and ...b5 to hit with tempo. The queen backs the e3-e4 push and eyes h7 once the bishop lands on d3.
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.
What Do Players Choose At The Decision Point?
| Move | Share | Games | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bd3 | 44% | 72 | |
| cxd5 | 14% | 23 | |
| Qc2 | 14% | 23 | |
| Be2 | 10% | 16 |
The Named Lines Of The Stoltz Variation
| Line | Moves |
|---|---|
| Center Variation | 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.e3 Nbd7 6.Qc2 Bd6 7.e4 |
| Shabalov Attack | 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.e3 Nbd7 6.Qc2 Bd6 7.g4 |
| Center Variation, Mikhalchishin Line | 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.e3 Nbd7 6.Qc2 Bd6 7.e4 dxe4 8.Nxe4 Nxe4 9.Qxe4 e5 10.dxe5 |