Semi-Slav Defense, Meran Variation

The Meran Variation arises within the Semi-Slav Defense when White plays e3 and develops the f1-bishop to d3. Black then captures the c4-pawn with ...dxc4. White's bishop usually recaptures on c4, and Black replies with ...b5, attacking that bishop and gaining space on the queenside, the side where the queen began.

The move order contains a time-gaining idea. Black waits for the bishop to reach d3 before capturing on c4, so the bishop must spend another move returning to c4. Then ...b5 makes it choose a square again. Those moves let Black expand, develop the c8-bishop through b7, and prepare ...c5 or ...e5 to challenge the center.

The Meran gains time against White's bishop

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StartBd3dxc4Bxc4b5

Developing to d3 places the bishop on a route where the capture on c4 can cost it time.

Black waits for the bishop to commit

Bd3 looks like natural development, but it permits the Meran's characteristic move order.

1. Developing to d3 places the bishop on a route where the capture on c4 can cost it time.