Semi-Slav Defense · D45

Normal Variation, after 1. Nf3, through 7... Nbd7

1. Nf3 d5 2. e3 Nf6 3. c4 c6 4. Nc3 e6 5. b3 Bd6 6. Bb2 O-O 7. d4 Nbd7

White's queenside bishop takes the long diagonal. ...e6 plus ...c6 holds d5 twice and threatens to take on c4 and keep it with ...b5 - solid structure with real sharpness underneath.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. Nf3 Develops the knight to f3, eyeing d4 and e5. Theory calls this the Zukertort Opening.
• 1... d5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e4, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 2. e3 Supports the centre, adding control of d4.
• 2... Nf6 Develops the knight to f6, eyeing d5 and e4. It also props up the d5 pawn.

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