Chess Opening Theory/1. d4/1...d5/2. c4/2...c6/3. Nc3/3...Nf6/4. Nf3/4...e6/5. e3/5...Nbd7/6. Bd3/6...dxc4/7. Bxc4/7...b5/8. Bd3

Meran variation D47-D49 Semi-Slav 8. Bd3 White returns the bishop to its original position, from where it supports the e4 pawn push. This is considered to be the main line. The classical response by Black is /8...a6/, protecting the b4-pawn in order to be able to free the light-squared bishop with c5 later. This does allow White to take control of the center with the immediate 9. e4, after which some very complicated positions can arise. A slightly more modern and nowadays more popular response is /8...Bb7/, the Wade variation. This makes the immediate 9. e4 less desirable for White, who usually responds by castling kingside immediately. Theory table Old variation 8...a6 9. e4 c5 10. e5 cxd4 Reynold's variation 8... ... 9. ... ... 10. d5 c4 Wade variation 8...Bb7 9. O-O a6 10. e4 c5 Lundin variation 8...b4 9. Ne4 Nxe4 10. Bxe4 Bb7 References Semi-Slav Defence Meran Variation: 6.Bd3