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Semi-Slav Defense: Meran Variation, Pirc Variation

238 games from Lichess · Updated January 2026

Tough Sell
Black Expected Score49.8%Range (90% confident): 44.5% – 55.1%Based on 238 games
0%49.8%100%
Range (90% confident): 44.5% – 55.1%
Outcome Distribution
47.0%5.6%47.4%
Win
Draw
Loss
9...b4
Semi-Slav Defense: Meran Variation, Pirc Variation
Analyzen=238
Avg Length35 moves
Sharpness94%
Draw Rate5.6%

What is the Semi-Slav Defense: Meran Variation, Pirc Variation expected score for Black?

Snapshot

At all ratings, the Semi-Slav Defense: Meran Variation, Pirc Variation has a 49.8% expected score for Black (we're 90% confident it's between 44.5% and 55.1%), based on 238 Lichess games.

Black Win% by Rating

Declines with rating: 46% → 41%

1600
1800
2000
2200
2500+

  • 1600-1799: 45.5% win rate (4 games)
  • 1800-1999: 43.4% win rate (25 games)
  • 2000-2199: 39.4% win rate (53 games)
  • 2200-2499: 51.8% win rate (127 games)
  • 2500+: 41.0% win rate (29 games)

Black Win% by Time Control

Best in Bullet (52%), worst in Rapid (35%)

Bullet
Blitz
Rapid

  • Bullet: 51.6% win rate (77 games)
  • Blitz: 46.5% win rate (135 games)
  • Rapid: 34.5% win rate (26 games)

Black% by Rating × Time Control

Click any cell to filter. Green = above 50%, Red = below 50%.

RatingUBBulleBlitzRapidClass
0-999—————
1000-1199—————
1200-1399—————
1400-1599—————
1600-1799——
1800-1999——
2000-2199——
2200-2499——
2500+———

Expected score matrix by rating bracket and time control

  • 1600-1799 rating, Bullet: 50.0% expected score (2 games)
  • 1600-1799 rating, Blitz: 30.0% expected score (1 games)
  • 1600-1799 rating, Rapid: 70.0% expected score (1 games)
  • 1800-1999 rating, Bullet: 50.0% expected score (2 games)
  • 1800-1999 rating, Blitz: 45.4% expected score (20 games)
  • 1800-1999 rating, Rapid: 38.9% expected score (3 games)
  • 2000-2199 rating, Bullet: 38.0% expected score (11 games)
  • 2000-2199 rating, Blitz: 41.6% expected score (34 games)
  • 2000-2199 rating, Rapid: 44.7% expected score (8 games)
  • 2200-2499 rating, Bullet: 58.7% expected score (39 games)
  • 2200-2499 rating, Blitz: 56.0% expected score (74 games)
  • 2200-2499 rating, Rapid: 43.6% expected score (14 games)
  • 2500+ rating, Bullet: 52.0% expected score (23 games)
  • 2500+ rating, Blitz: 30.0% expected score (6 games)

Related Openings

Parent
Semi-Slav Defense
51.5%
Variations (5)
Semi-Slav Defense: Accelerated Move Order
50.8%
Semi-Slav Defense: Main Line
51.8%
Semi-Slav Defense: Marshall Gambit
53.5%
Semi-Slav Defense: Noteboom Variation
49.8%
Semi-Slav Defense: Normal Variation
48.8%
Analyze Semi-Slav Defense: Meran Variation, Pirc Variation PositionsGet move-by-move win rates with the TrueElo analyzer

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Semi-Slav Defense: Meran Variation, Pirc Variation win rate?

The Semi-Slav Defense: Meran Variation, Pirc Variation has a 47.4% (90% CI: 42.1%-52.7%) win rate for white, based on 238 rated games from Lichess.

At what rating does the Semi-Slav Defense: Meran Variation, Pirc Variation perform best?

The Semi-Slav Defense: Meran Variation, Pirc Variation performs best at 2000-2199 Elo with a 57.8% win rate for white (53 games). Win rate tends to decline at higher ratings as opponents know the theory better.

Is the Semi-Slav Defense: Meran Variation, Pirc Variation better in blitz or rapid?

Blitz (48.7%) outperforms Bullet (45.2%) by 3.5%. Choose your time control wisely.

How sharp is the Semi-Slav Defense: Meran Variation, Pirc Variation?

The Semi-Slav Defense: Meran Variation, Pirc Variation has a sharpness score of 94.4 (decisive), meaning 94.4% of games end decisively. Average game length is 35 moves.

What is the Semi-Slav Defense: Meran Variation, Pirc Variation win rate at 2200-2499 Elo?

At 2200-2499 Elo, the Semi-Slav Defense: Meran Variation, Pirc Variation has a 40.9% (90% CI: 33.8%-48.0%) win rate for white, based on 127 Lichess games. Average game length is 36 moves with a 7.4% draw rate.

What is the Semi-Slav Defense: Meran Variation, Pirc Variation win rate in Blitz?

In Blitz games, the Semi-Slav Defense: Meran Variation, Pirc Variation has a 48.7% (90% CI: 41.7%-55.7%) win rate for white (135 Lichess games). Draw rate is 4.8%.

Is the Semi-Slav Defense: Meran Variation, Pirc Variation a good opening?

The Semi-Slav Defense: Meran Variation, Pirc Variation is slightly favors black with a 47.4% (90% CI: 42.1%-52.7%) win rate across all ratings. It performs best at 2000-2199 Elo. Your results depend on your rating, time control, and how well you know the typical plans.