Botvinnik Semi-Slav, The (Pedersen)

13 Introduction to the Moscow
Variation
The Moscow Variation arises after the
moves 1 d4 d5 2 c4 c6 3 tiJf3 tiJf6 4
tiJc3 e6 5 i.g5 h6 (D) and usually
leads to much more peaceful play than
the Botvinnik System.
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That is when White feels obliged to
capture on f6 and content himself with
a small lead in development and a
space advantage. However, there is an
exception if White chooses to continue
in gambit style with 6 i.h4. Contrary
to the Botvinnik System, this
offers a real gambit since Black can
play 6 ... dxc4 7 e4 g5.
The Anti-Moscow Variation, 6 i.h4,
is, however, becoming very fashionable
these days and is now regarded as
very dangerous, contrary to only a few
years ago, when the line only enjoyed
a reputation as an obscure and slightly
suspicious gambit. Therefore prospective
Moscow Variation players are advised
to study Chapter 14 closely,
because one cannot any longer count
on playing long positional games
where the possession of the bishoppair
is Black's long-term compensation
for handing over to White a space
advantage.
Nevertheless, there are still a lot of
players who do not want to engage in
the tactics of the Anti-Moscow Variation
and instead go for the more standard
positions arising after 6 i.xf6
'iVxf6. However, there is a slight tendency
for White to look for something
other than the well-trodden main lines
of Chapter 15. Indeed, there is still
room for new ideas in the main lines,
but variations such as 7 'iVc2 or 7 e3
tiJd7 8 a3 are gaining in popularity.