Semi-Slav Defense Accepted

The Semi-Slav Defense Accepted arises when Black answers 5. Bg5 by taking the c4-pawn with 5...dxc4, the decision also known as the Botvinnik Variation. Rather than defending against the pin, Black grabs material and prepares ...b5 to support the extra pawn on c4. This leaves Black with a queenside majority but surrenders the d5 point, and with c4 cut off from the rest of the pawns, White gets open lines and central influence in return. White's sixth move determines how much the pawn costs. 6. e4, chosen in about half of all games, sets up a broad center and leads to the main Botvinnik Variation, among the sharpest lines of the Semi-Slav. 6. e3 is a quieter way to attack c4 with the bishop. 6. a4 strikes at the b5 support before Black can play it, though Black has scored slightly better after it on Lichess. The engine rates the position as close to balanced, preferring 6. e4, 6. a4 or 6. g3. Overall results on Lichess are almost exactly even, and draws are uncommon.