Botvinnik Variation, Lilienthal Variation
- 1.d4d5
- 2.c4c6
- 3.Nf3Nf6
- 4.Nc3e6
- 5.Bg5dxc4
- 6.e4b5
- 7.e5h6
- 8.Bh4g5
- 9.Nxg5hxg5
- 10.Bxg5Nbd7
- 11.g3
246 games
The Lilienthal Variation of the Semi-Slav Botvinnik is the main line, 11. g3, in which White prepares to fianchetto the king's bishop amid sharp play.
Train it in TheoriaAbout the Lilienthal Variation
The Lilienthal Variation is the usual eleventh move of the Botvinnik main line. With 11. g3, White prepares Bg2 and short castling, so the bishop bears down on Black's queenside pawns along the long diagonal. Black most often replies 11...Bb7 to contest that diagonal. The next most common choice is 11...Qb6, which aims at the d4 pawn and prepares queenside castling. The engine gives White a slight edge.