D49
Semi-Slav Defense: Meran Variation, Rellstab Attack
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 Variation404D48 - Semi-Slav Defense: Meran Variation160
Best Games
Mamedyarov,S vs Rapport,R1-0
8th Sinquefield Cup 2021 • 2021★ Notable
Kramnik,V vs Anand,V0-1
WCh • 2008★ Notable
Kramnik,V vs Anand,V0-1
WCh • 2008★ Notable
Gelfand, Boris vs Shirov, Alexei1/2-1/2
Linares 14th • 1997★ Notable
Kamsky, Gata vs Kramnik, Vladimir1/2-1/2
Linares • 1994★ Notable
Timman, Jan H vs Nogueiras, Jesus1-0
WchT • 1989★ Notable
Bronstein, David I vs Botvinnik, Mikhail1/2-1/2
World Championship 19th • 1951★ Notable
Botvinnik, Mikhail vs Euwe, Max1-0
World Championship 18th • 1948★ Notable
Alekhine, Alexander vs Bogoljubow, Efim1/2-1/2
World Championship 15th • 1934★ Notable
Mamedyarov,S vs Ponomariov,R1-0
IMSA Blitz 2016 • 2016
Morozevich,A vs Caruana,F1/2-1/2
53rd Masters • 2010
Kramnik, Vladimir vs Kasparov, Gary1/2-1/2
Hoogovens • 1999
Bareev, Evgeny vs Jussupow, Artur1/2-1/2
Linares • 1993
Hjartarson, Johann vs Ivanchuk, Vassily1/2-1/2
Tilburg • 1989
Ljubojevic, Ljubomir vs Flear, Glenn C1-0
Szirak Interzonal • 1987
Reshevsky, Samuel Herman vs Botvinnik, Mikhail1-0
URS-USA telex • 1955
Alekhine, Alexander vs Keres, Paul1/2-1/2
Prague • 1943
Maghsoodloo,Parham vs Gukesh,D1-0
Asian Games Men Team 2023 • 2023
Mamedyarov,S vs Sevian,Samuel0-1
PRO League Prelim 2023 • 2023
Piesik,P vs Navara,D0-1
sachy.cz Extraliga 2021-22 • 2022