D48
Semi-Slav Defense: Meran Variation
Key moves: 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6
The Queen's Gambit Declined is one of the most solid and classical chess openings. Black defends the d5 pawn with ...e6, maintaining a strong central presence. The resulting positions are strategically rich with well-defined plans for both sides.
History & Notable Players
A cornerstone of chess strategy since the 19th century. It was the main battleground in many World Championship matches, particularly those of Capablanca, Alekhine, and Botvinnik.
Top Players in this Opening
Related Openings
D40 - Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi-Tarrasch Defense294D41 - Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi-Tarrasch Defense710D42 - Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi-Tarrasch Defense, Main Line194D43 - Semi-Slav Defense999D44 - Semi-Slav Defense Accepted262D45 - Semi-Slav Defense: Main Line1231D46 - Semi-Slav Defense: Main Line365D47 - Semi-Slav Defense: Meran Variation404D49 - Semi-Slav Defense: Meran Variation, Rellstab Attack60
Best Games
Gelfand,B vs Kasimdzhanov,R1/2-1/2
WCh Candidates s/f 2007Notable
Nakamura,H vs Lastin,A1-0
FIDE WCh KO 2004Notable
Karpov, Anatoly vs Anand, Viswanathan1-0
FIDE-Wch k.o. f 1998Notable
Lautier, Joel vs Gelfand, Boris0-1
FIDE-Wch k.o. 1997Notable
Gelfand, Boris vs Shirov, Alexei1/2-1/2
Biel 1995Notable
Karpov, Anatoly vs Kramnik, Vladimir1-0
Linares 1994Notable
Karpov, Anatoly vs Kramnik, Vladimir0-1
Amber-rapid 3rd 1994Notable
Karpov, Anatoly vs Anand, Viswanathan0-1
Amber-rapid 3rd 1994Notable
Gelfand, Boris vs Timman, Jan H1/2-1/2
Linares 1992Notable
Gelfand, Boris vs Kamsky, Gata1-0
Linares 1991Notable
Alekhine, Alexander vs Bogoljubow, Efim1-0
World Championship 15th 1934Notable
L'Ami,E vs Ding Liren1/2-1/2
41st Olympiad Open 2014 2014
Eljanov,P vs Gelfand,B1-0
Tal Memorial 2010
Aronian,L vs Gelfand,B1/2-1/2
XXVII SuperGM 2010
Korchnoi,V vs Ljubojevic,L0-1
Corus Honorory 2008
Korchnoi,V vs Ponomariov,R0-1
Czech Coal 2007
Radjabov,T vs Van Wely,L0-1
Amber Rapid 2007
Gelfand,B vs Kramnik,V1/2-1/2
Sparkassen 2006
Adianto,U vs Gelfand,B1/2-1/2
37th Olympiad 2006
Beliavsky,A vs L'Ami,E1/2-1/2
Corus B 2006