Meran: 8...Bb7 9.O-O b4 is variation 1 of 6 in the Semi-Slav Defence course, a advanced opening course for Black (ECO D47). It runs 26 moves and begins 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 e6 …. White develops with e3 and Bd3. Black takes on c4 and gains space with ...b5. The bishop goes to b7, the b-pawn chases the c3 knight, and the c-pawn break to c5 frees Black's game. 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 and opens a path for the c1 bishop.
1... d5 – Black claims the centre too.
2. c4 – The Queen's Gambit. White attacks d5 from the side.
2... c6 – Black supports d5 with the c-pawn. The pawn on d5 stays in the centre.
3. Nf3 – White develops and covers e5.
3... Nf6 – Black develops and guards d5 once more.
4. Nc3 – White brings a third attacker against d5.
4... e6 – The Semi-Slav. Black closes in the c8 bishop, but the centre is now rock solid.
5. e3 – White supports d4 and opens the f1 bishop.
5... Nbd7 – Black develops and keeps the c-pawn free to move to c5 later.
6. Bd3 – The most natural square. The bishop aims at Black's kingside.
6... dxc4 – Black takes now. The bishop has just moved, and it must move again.
7. Bxc4 – White takes the pawn back.
7... b5 – The Meran. Black gains space on the queenside and gains time on the bishop.
8. Bd3 – The best square. The bishop goes back to aim at h7.
8... Bb7 – The bishop goes to the long diagonal. It will be strong once the c-pawn moves.
The lesson goes on for 10 more moves, each with its explanation.
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