Theoria
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Semi-Slav Defense

Meran Variation, Old Variation

D48tacticalaggressive

  1. 1.d4d5
  2. 2.c4c6
  3. 3.Nc3Nf6
  4. 4.e3e6
  5. 5.Nf3Nbd7
  6. 6.Bd3dxc4
  7. 7.Bxc4b5
  8. 8.Bd3a6
  9. 9.e4c5
  10. 10.e5
80 games49%45%

Sharp Meran line in which White meets the Classical 9...c5 with 10. e5, chasing the f6-knight and leading to forcing, heavily analyzed play.

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About the Old Variation

The Old Variation is the most direct answer to the Classical Meran. With 10. e5, White ignores the pressure on d4, gains space and dislodges the f6-knight. Black almost always replies 10...cxd4, and after 11. Nxb5 play divides into the Sozin, 11...Nxe5, and the Rabinovich, 11...Ng4. 10...Nd5 is the main alternative. The lines are tactical and deeply theoretical, and the engine rates the position roughly balanced.

Popular continuations