Against ...c6 and ...d5 (Slav-style setup) is variation 6 of 6 in the English Opening course, a intermediate opening course for White (ECO A11). It runs 25 moves and begins 1. c4 c6 2. Nf3 d5 3. e3 Nf6 4. Nc3 e6 …. Black builds a Slav triangle with ...c6, ...d5 and ...e6. White develops with b3, Bb2 and Qc2, then uses the Nb5 jump and the c-file when Black breaks with ...e5. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. c4 – Takes control of d5.
1... c6 – Prepares ...d5 with pawn support, a Caro-Kann style approach.
2. Nf3 – Develops and controls e5 and d4 without committing the d-pawn.
2... d5 – Black occupies the centre, backed by the c6 pawn.
3. e3 – Supports d4 and opens the f1 bishop, preparing a flexible Anti-Meran setup.
3... Nf6 – Develops and supports d5.
4. Nc3 – Develops and adds pressure to d5.
4... e6 – Completes the Slav triangle, solidly defending d5.
5. b3 – Prepares Bb2 to aim at e5 and the long diagonal, and supports c4 against ...dxc4.
5... Nbd7 – Develops and prepares ...e5.
6. Bb2 – The bishop controls e5, the square Black wants to free with ...e5.
6... Bd6 – Develops and supports ...e5.
7. Qc2 – Controls e4 and e5 and lines the queen up on the c-file for when it opens.
7... O-O – Black castles before breaking in the centre.
8. Be2 – Develops modestly and prepares castling.
8... e5 – Black frees his game with the central break.
The lesson goes on for 9 more moves, each with its explanation.
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