About this opening
Semi-Slav Defense: Marshall Gambit is an opening in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings,
classified under code D31. ECO group D (D00–D99)
covers closed games and semi-closed games beginning 1.d4 d5, covering the Queen's Gambit, Slav, Grünfeld and related queen-pawn structures. This particular variation is reached
after 7 half-moves from the
starting position, with the move sequence 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 c6 4. e4.
It belongs to the Semi-Slav Defense family. Within that family this is a sub-variation (the Marshall Gambit line).
The opening sequence in prose form: 1.d4 d5, 2.c4 e6, 3.Nc3 c6, 4.e4. From this position exactly one named continuation is recorded in the encyclopaedia.