Exchange line: 5.cxd5 exd5 is variation 5 of 6 in the Semi-Slav Defence course, a advanced opening course for Black (ECO D43). It runs 24 moves and begins 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 e6 …. White trades on d5 early. Black takes back with the e-pawn, and now the c8 bishop is free. Black develops it to f5 and trades it for White's best bishop. The position is calm and equal. 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. cxd5 – The Exchange line. White fixes the pawn structure early.
5... exd5 – Black takes back with the e-pawn. Now the c8 bishop has an open diagonal.
6. Bg5 – White pins the f6 knight.
6... Be7 – Black breaks the pin and gets ready to castle.
7. e3 – White supports d4 and opens the f1 bishop.
7... Bf5 – The bishop comes out before the e-pawn can block it. This is Black's big gain from the exchange.
8. Bd3 – White offers to trade the light-squared bishops.
8... Bxd3 – Black trades. White's d3 bishop was the best attacker of h7.
The lesson goes on for 8 more moves, each with its explanation.
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