For black, between QGD and Slav/Semi-slav, which do you prefer and why? I am trying to understand what is appealing on both sides and why you make the tradeoff of potentially blocking in the your light square bishop. Personally, I respond with the Nimzo Indian as black, and when playing as white I hope for QGA or Catalan.

  • @[email protected]
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    31 year ago

    I play the Semi-slav with black, but just thats just by Chance. However, I agree with this comment, and also the fact that far fewer play the Semi-slav, might help you.

    Semi-slav is a good tradeoff between solid and dynamic. Not as dynamic as the Grünfeld, but can still give interesting positions.

    • @[email protected]OP
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      21 year ago

      Do you ever see tactical opportunities in a typical semi Slav game? From the white side it seems to remain positional the entire time in my experience. I guess that’s subject to change upon hanging pieces or blunders.

      • @[email protected]
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        31 year ago

        In my case only if they play the Bg5 line, then you can have a wild game. If they play the Meeran (usually 5.e3) it ends up being more positional,but keeping all pieces and pawns on the board.