The big idea

What the Semi-Slav Defence is really about.

A rock-solid yet ambitious answer to the Queen's Gambit. Black props up the d5-pawn with BOTH ...c6 and ...e6, building a sturdy wall in the centre. From this fortress Black can grab the c4-pawn and expand on the queenside with ...b5, leading to some of the richest play in all of chess.

White's plan: Develop the pieces, decide between quiet pressure and a sharp pawn storm (g4 ideas in the Botvinnik/Anti-Meran), and use the central majority and space to keep Black slightly cramped.
Black's plan: Hold the d5 strongpoint with ...c6 and ...e6, then unwind: capture on c4, play ...b5 to gain queenside space, develop the light-squared bishop actively, and aim for a freeing ...c5 or ...e5 break.

After 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6

The Semi-Slav plays both ...c6 and ...e6 — rock-solid yet sharp. In the Meran, Black expands on the queenside with ...b5 and frees the game with the ...c5 break.

How does Black turn the solid Semi-Slav wall into active play?

Answer the question to keep going!