Semi-Slav Defense: Botvinnik Variation
White develops the bishop outside the pawn chain and then builds a large center after Black captures. Sharp pawn and piece threats follow, so count forcing replies before continuing a memorized attack.
Your plan as White
Decide whether to develop the c1 bishop actively or build a quieter center with e3.
The opponent’s plan
Use the c6–d5–e6 structure and prepare ...c5 or ...e5 when development permits.
Watch out: The c8 bishop can be restricted; do not open the center before your king is ready.
Opening game…
Practice this line as White.
Play three moves from the line you watched. Hints draw an arrow on the board. Complete a fresh attempt without hints or retries to pass.
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Name, background and sources
This name describes a structure combining the Slav's c-pawn support with an e-pawn advance. Meran and Botvinnik are named branches; this lesson makes no single-inventor claim for the whole family.
Read the opening background on Chess.com ↗Lichess opening names and reference lines (CC0)
ChessSum provides original explanatory notes. Related lines are labeled separately. Reference lines illustrate ideas; they are not a claim that every other legal move is wrong.
Watch how the center and piece development change. Each arrow previews the next move.