Chess Opening Theory/1. d4/1...d5/2. c4/2...c6/3. Nc3/3...Nf6/4. Nf3/4...e6/5. e3/5...Nbd7

Semi-Slav Defence: Main Line D43-D49 Queen's Gambit Declined 5...Nbd7 This is a waiting move: Black is waiting for White to develop the light-squared bishop with /6. Bd3/. Black does so in order to win some important tempi on White's bishop to make space for Black's light-squared bishop on b7. This is called the Meran variation. White doesn't have to follow this plan however. White can play /6. Qc2/, the Anti-Meran, to avoid this line and make Black's development of the light-squared bishop more difficult. Theory table Meran variation 6. Bd3 dxc4 7. Bxc4 b5 Anti-Meran variation 6. Qc2 Bd6 References Semi-Slav Defence