This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Opening Name: Semi-Slav: Botvinnik (Anti-Meran)
Moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Nf3 c6 5. Bg5
Description: The Botvinnik Variation of the Semi-Slav, sometimes called the Anti-Meran, is a very sharp and complex line where White pins Black's knight on f6 early with 5.Bg5. This move puts immediate pressure on Black’s kingside and prepares for potential central or kingside attacks. The characteristic feature of this move is the pin, which limits Black's flexibility and can lead to dynamic, tactical play.
Characteristic of 5.Bg5: It aims to challenge Black's control of the center by targeting the knight that supports central squares, especially e4 and d5. The pin also restricts Black's natural development and can provoke weaknesses or concessions.
Attacking or Defensive: For White, this is an attacking move, initiating pressure and complex play early on. Black’s response is generally more defensive at this stage, aiming to solidify the center and unpin the knight without yielding weaknesses.
Center Control: This opening certainly involves fighting for the center. While White does not immediately occupy the center with pawns beyond c4 and d4, the pin on Nf6 supports future central advances (like e4), making the battle for central control a key theme.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Semi-Slav: Botvinnik (Anti-Meran), and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 23 - Move #8 white
You can also discover how top players used Semi-Slav: Botvinnik (Anti-Meran) to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.