Meran System 8.Be2

If you practice the Meran System with the black pieces, there are several sidelines that White can play.  One of these deviations from the main line 8.Bd3 is when White retreats his KB to e2.  Inevitably this will temporarily shift action from the center to the queenside.  Black must be energetic about getting in ...c5 if he wants to equalize and he must be careful in how he goes about regaining the c Pawn.

This game, which occurred in 1992 illustrates some of the important themes in this sideline of the Meran.  If you study this game and some of the variations, you will become acquainted with some of the themes in this potentially dangerous line.