Anti-Meran: 6.Qc2 is variation 2 of 6 in the Semi-Slav Defence course, a advanced opening course for Black (ECO D45). It runs 24 moves and begins 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 e6 …. White plays 6.Qc2 to prepare e4 and avoid the Meran. Black develops the bishop to d6, castles and takes on c4. Then the b-pawn gains space and the e-pawn breaks to e5. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. d4 – White takes the centre.
1... d5 – Black claims the centre too.
2. c4 – White attacks d5 from the side.
2... c6 – Black supports d5 with the c-pawn.
3. Nf3 – White develops and covers e5.
3... Nf6 – Black develops and guards d5.
4. Nc3 – A third attacker against d5.
4... e6 – The Semi-Slav. The centre is rock solid.
5. e3 – White supports d4 and opens the f1 bishop.
5... Nbd7 – Black develops and keeps the c-pawn free.
6. Qc2 – The Anti-Meran. The queen supports a push to e4 and keeps the f1 bishop at home for now.
6... Bd6 – The bishop takes its best diagonal and eyes h2. Black is ready to castle.
7. Bd3 – White develops and prepares to castle.
7... O-O – Black castles. Now the king is safe.
8. O-O – White castles too.
8... dxc4 – Black takes now, when the bishop has to move again.
The lesson goes on for 8 more moves, each with its explanation.
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