A semi-slav is the e6-d5-c6 structure with the bishop still on c8 right? So what do you mean you try to get in Bf5 and maybe c5? We need to see a move order.
But for example, if you have no idea what you're doing, this is a safe way to handle early Nf3 g3 things
And now a more standard move order
Thanks Stiggling! What I meant was that I normally try to steer d4/c4 games into a Semi-Slav structure where I feel more comfortable, but when my opponent plays the Catalan I abandon that idea and try to get the Bc8 outside of my pawn chain.
As Stiggling indicated if are still able to develop bishop outside pawn chain, the early g3 is pretty harmless. If play 1.d4 d5 2c4 e6 3Nc3 c6 there are specific semi-slav lines against early g3, involving d5xc4, and trying to hold the pawn. Like most specific semi-slav lines they can become complicated and technical.
For inexperienced players would advise playing a straightforward queens gambit declined, developing and playing for c5 break. Alternatively playing a straightforward slav, always aiming to develop Bc8 outside of pawn chain, maybe an a6 version to avoid giving up centre with d5xc4, tending on taste.
Leave semi-slav until more experienced, then get a decent book to explain the lines.
This (the Ukrainian variation) is the best way to achieve bulletproof Semi-Slav structures against the Catalan.
One small (?) detail: You cannot get there using the 2...c6 move order.
More than that, after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6, white has three ways to reach a Catalan structure: 4.Qc2, 4.Nbd2 or boldly with 4.g3. Each one requires a different approach by Black, as well.
How about d6 playing KI's or d5 with gruenfeld. The e6 will transpose in many ways to the Catalan with D4-C4. Or Just D4-D5 with QGA or declined.
I play the Semi-Slav against 1.d4 and play 1. ... c6 against c4 hoping to transpose into a Semi-Slav structure.
I have problems with people who play the Catalan, and it seems that my general ideas do not work well, and instead I may need a more concrete system.
I try to get in Bf5, e6, and either c5 or c6, but can't seem to get them all in and short castle without making a positional compromise or getting completely busted. Any suggestions for improvements or systems against the Catalan? Thanks!
As one that plays the Semi-Slav as well (well, kind of - only against a certain move order by White), I would slightly deviate from post 2. I can tell you what I would do:
1.d4 e6 (With your move order, the difference would be what you do after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3, which is played, but isn't that good as the Bishop is not hemmed in by ...e6, which is why the Catalan is far more often played against the QGD or Nimzo-Indian, because of e6) 2.c4 Nf6 3.Nf3 (Against 3.Nc3, I personally play 3...Bb4) d5 4.Nc3 c6 and now if 5.g3, while 5...Nbd7 is ok, stronger is 5...dxc4! (This is a stronger version of the 4...dxc4 Catalan as with ...c6 already played, Black is ready to hold on to the pawn and give it back under his own terms!) After 6.Bg2 b5 7.Ne5, Black has a few choices and it is more a matter of taste than anything else:
I would play line C, but you should be ok with B or C. Line A creates more headaches for Black than it's worth.
How about d6 playing KI's or d5 with gruenfeld. The e6 will transpose in many ways to the Catalan with D4-C4. Or Just D4-D5 with QGA or declined.
That's not quite how it works unfortunately
I play the Semi-Slav against 1.d4 and play 1. ... c6 against c4 hoping to transpose into a Semi-Slav structure.
I have problems with people who play the Catalan, and it seems that my general ideas do not work well, and instead I may need a more concrete system.
I try to get in Bf5, e6, and either c5 or c6, but can't seem to get them all in and short castle without making a positional compromise or getting completely busted. Any suggestions for improvements or systems against the Catalan? Thanks!