Theoria
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Semi-Slav Defense

Meran Variation, Wade Variation, Larsen Variation

D47tacticalaggressive

  1. 1.d4d5
  2. 2.c4c6
  3. 3.Nc3Nf6
  4. 4.e3e6
  5. 5.Nf3Nbd7
  6. 6.Bd3dxc4
  7. 7.Bxc4b5
  8. 8.Bd3Bb7
  9. 9.e4b4
  10. 10.Na4c5
  11. 11.e5Nd5
76 games36%28%37%

Sharp Semi-Slav Meran line where White advances e4–e5 against the Wade's 8...Bb7 and Black answers with a knight on d5, rehabilitated by Bent Larsen.

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About the Larsen Variation

In this sharp branch of the Wade Variation, White gains space with 9. e4 and 11. e5, while Black posts a knight on d5. The forcing 12. Nxc5 Nxc5 13. dxc5 Bxc5 14. Bb5+ once made 8...Bb7 look unplayable, until Bent Larsen showed that 14...Ke7 leaves Black comfortable. Today 12. O-O is the usual choice, and 12...cxd4 13. Nxd4 forms the Kaidanov Gambit. Engines rate the position as balanced.

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