Semi-Slav Defense

This line of the Rubinstein Opening arises from a 1. d4 d5 move order. Black develops with ...Bd6 and ...Nbd7 and holds back the c-pawn. After 7. Bb2 the most common reply, 7...c6, produces the compact e6–d5–c6 pawn chain associated with the Semi-Slav. The main alternatives are 7...c5, 7...Re8 and 7...b6, the last meeting White's fianchetto with one of Black's own. The engine rates the position as balanced, though White scores well in practice.