Semi-Slav Defense: Meran Variation, Pirc Variation

238 games from Lichess · Updated January 2026

Tough Sell
White Expected Score50.2%Range (90% confident): 44.9% – 55.5%Based on 238 games
0%50.2%100%
Range (90% confident): 44.9% – 55.5%
Outcome Distribution
47.4%5.6%47.0%
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 White?

Snapshot

At all ratings, the Semi-Slav Defense: Meran Variation, Pirc Variation has a 50.2% expected score for White (we're 90% confident it's between 44.9% and 55.5%), based on 238 Lichess games.

White Win% by Rating

Improves with rating: 46% → 48%

1600
1800
2000
2200
2500+

  • 1600-1799: 45.5% win rate (4 games)
  • 1800-1999: 54.7% win rate (25 games)
  • 2000-2199: 57.8% win rate (53 games)
  • 2200-2499: 40.9% win rate (127 games)
  • 2500+: 47.5% win rate (29 games)

White Win% by Time Control

Best in Blitz (49%), worst in Bullet (45%)

Bullet
Blitz
Rapid

  • Bullet: 45.2% win rate (77 games)
  • Blitz: 48.7% win rate (135 games)
  • Rapid: 45.5% win rate (26 games)

White% 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: 70.0% expected score (1 games)
  • 1600-1799 rating, Rapid: 30.0% expected score (1 games)
  • 1800-1999 rating, Bullet: 50.0% expected score (2 games)
  • 1800-1999 rating, Blitz: 54.7% expected score (20 games)
  • 1800-1999 rating, Rapid: 61.2% expected score (3 games)
  • 2000-2199 rating, Bullet: 62.0% expected score (11 games)
  • 2000-2199 rating, Blitz: 58.5% expected score (34 games)
  • 2000-2199 rating, Rapid: 55.3% expected score (8 games)
  • 2200-2499 rating, Bullet: 41.4% expected score (39 games)
  • 2200-2499 rating, Blitz: 44.1% expected score (74 games)
  • 2200-2499 rating, Rapid: 56.5% expected score (14 games)
  • 2500+ rating, Bullet: 48.0% expected score (23 games)
  • 2500+ rating, Blitz: 70.0% expected score (6 games)

Related Openings

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.