Stoltz Variation, Center Variation
- 1.d4d5
- 2.c4c6
- 3.Nf3Nf6
- 4.Nc3e6
- 5.e3Nbd7
- 6.Qc2Bd6
- 7.e4
37 games
The Center Variation of the Stoltz Semi-Slav, 7. e4, opens the center at once and invites early exchanges, with a roughly balanced position.
Train it in TheoriaAbout the Center Variation
The Center Variation, 7. e4, is the direct alternative to the Shabalov Attack. White opens the center immediately and does not wait to see whether Black will play ...dxc4. Black almost always answers 7...dxe4. The usual sequel, 8. Nxe4 Nxe4 9. Qxe4 e5 10. dxe5, is the Mikhalchishin Line, in which the ...e5 break frees the c8-bishop. Pieces come off quickly, engines rate the position as roughly balanced, and the line is seldom seen.