Closed, Averbakh Variation

Named for Yuri Averbakh, this line has Black protect e5 with 6...d6 rather than the usual 6...b5. That keeps the queenside pawns intact, much as in the Modern Steinitz Defense. After White's most common reply, 7. c3, a later ...b5 lets the bishop drop straight to c2, saving a tempo. Black therefore usually pins with 7...Bg4, which delays d4. White can also play 7. Bxc6 bxc6 8. d4. Engines give White a slight edge.