Semi-Slav Defense

Black combines ...c6 and ...e6 for a super-solid pawn triangle, then fights for the initiative with the thematic ...c5 and ...e5 breaks. It leads to some of the richest and sharpest theory in all of chess.

• Build the ...c6/...e6/...d5 triangle for maximum solidity
• Grab a pawn and hold it in the sharp Botvinnik and Moscow lines
• Free the position with the ...c5 or ...e5 pawn breaks
• Accept complex, double-edged play for full counterchances