From those squares, these pieces will be looking straight at Blacks pawn on h7. Rg8+ Kf7 34. Blacks set-up is extremely solid while still providing black chances to seek activity and play for a win. For White, you can play the Exchange Slav or any main line in each of the variations to fight for an advantage. Although the Semi-Slav is known for its center solidity with the trio of pawns on c6, d5 and e6, Black will often have to counterplay in the center if he wants to play for an advantage. For example if you want to play the Gruenfeld Defense you will have to memorize at least 5 times more lines as compared to playing the . Below listed are some of the main reasons to do so-. 2023 - The Chess Journal - All Rights Reserved, Slav Defense: A Comprehensive Guide to the Slav Defense Opening in Chess, Books Mentioned In The Queens Gambit on Netflix (Real and Fake Books), 7 Best Chess Books For Beginners To Cut The Learning Curve, Strategies and Tactics in the Slav Defense, Understanding Pawn Structures in the Slav Defense, Game 1: Capablanca vs Tartakower, New York 1924, Game 2: Kasparov vs Kramnik, Linares 1999, Williams Gambit: A Deep Dive Into The Maverick Chess Opening, Unlocking the Mysteries of the Polish Defense: An In-depth Guide to an Unorthodox Chess Opening, 7 Tips on How To Stop Blundering in Chess. The main line is 3.Nf3. Chess questions really is journalling every question I have had as I take up this fantastic hobby. Now Black can finally play 5Bf5, as it is futile to attempt to hold onto the extra pawn. One of the most effective ways to practice the Slav Defense is by analyzing games played by master-level players. White can also try the following alternatives: Black often plays 3Nf6 but 3Bf5 is considered to be an easier equalizer. Once you feel confident in your understanding of the Slav Defense, consider learning other openings to keep your opponents on their toes and to broaden your chess knowledge. However, recently the Exchange Slav has been championed by some players with White going for a legitimate advantage with fresh, aggressive ideas. GM Nick Pert has played the Slav defence for over 10 years and provides all his latest and most up to date analysis crammed into 1 DVD. Black plays 4a6 to support the b5-square. Slav Defense Exchange Variation with GM Sipke Ernst. Bxc4 Bb4 8. This variation leads to a solid yet less dynamic setup for Black, but with the potential to open up the position later on. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. Nf3 Qd6) but otherwise, the Slav is a very quiet defense. For example, the immediate 4.Nc3 Bf5 runs into 5.cxd5 cxd5 6.Qb3! You play 6.e3 against the Czech but this is not as modest as it seems. Ra1 Bb4+! Endorsement indeed, of the effectiveness of the Slav defense in blacks opening options. Nick has spent many hours studying the best Slav lines, and he explains his favourite variations in this DVD. This will help you understand how the principles of the opening are applied in real games. Once you understand the ideas behind the moves, the opening will become much more intuitive and youll be able to navigate it more effectively, even when your opponent deviates from the main lines. The c6-pawn blocks the natural development square of the knight. Head over to our Master Games page to analyze top players' games in the Slav to learn even more about it! Black can also try the following alternatives: In the Steiner Variation (also called the Bronstein Variation), 5Bg4, White may be discouraged from e4 by the possibility 6.e4 e5. There are plenty of variations of the Slav defense. Slav Defense: Dutch Variation | Chess Lessons - Chess.com Some openings exhibit important characteristics that are very much like others even though they may arise differently. There is also a lesser option, the Schlechter Slav with g6, The pawn structure offers White targets, especially the possibility of a, 7.Nb1 Ba6 8.Nbd2 c3 9.bxc3 Bxf1 10.Nxf1 bxc3, This page was last edited on 18 June 2023, at 21:57. The three variations listed below are by far the most popular: The main line of the Slav Defense results in a balanced position. If you remember from the introduction, one of the main characteristics of the Slav is playing c6 instead of e6 to support the center thereby allowing Blacks light square bishop to develop easily. Qb3, attacking both d5 and b7. Stay Up-to-Date: Chess theory continues to evolve, and even familiar openings like the Slav Defense can see new developments. Complete Guide To Pawn Structures. After Black takes on c4, there is no way for White to take back this pawn immediately. Ive no plans to play competitively, although still get the burn when making a ridiculous mistake on chess.com. Pawn structures become very important here.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[120,600],'chessquestions_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_3',105,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-chessquestions_com-medrectangle-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[120,600],'chessquestions_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_4',105,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-chessquestions_com-medrectangle-3-0_1');.medrectangle-3-multi-105{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:600px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. The a6 Slav occurs after 4a6. Black usually plays 3Nf6. ), Frequently Asked Bd3 Bh5 12.e5 dislodging the knight and preparing a kingside attack now that the center is locked and White has space 12Nd5 13.Nxd5 cxd5 14.Qe3 Bg6 15.Ng5 preparing f4, continuing to grab space. The opening gained traction after Euwe and Alexander Alekhine used it extensively in their two world championship matches. White wins 41% of the games in this variation, draws 34%, and loses only 24%. There are other lines I've studied as well (and also several key variations, or mainline branches, I've excluded which are necessary to know for a Slav Defense player too). Black will continue with developing moves like Bb4, O-O, and freeing pawn breaks like e5 and c5, which are standard in every main line Slav. This comes down to personal preference, but I have a philosophy when playing the Slav Defense as black: White will either defend their c4 pawn, or white will develop their dark bishop actively, but I will not allow both! Semi Slav Defense Uploaded by soulof 100%(8)100% found this document useful (8 votes) 2K views 192 pages White has 58% winning chances, and black has 42% winning chances in this variation. where White has a significant advantage: The simultaneous pressure on the center and the b7 pawn proves too much for Black to handle. Nc3 Nf6 5. Ra7 may look like a very odd move, but tends to come in handy, as Black can move the rook along the 7th rank to aid in some attacks once the b and c pawns are moved. French Defense: What is the French Defense Opening? Continue Practicing: Apply what youve learned in real games and continue to learn from your experiences. Play can proceed 5b5 6.a4 b4. 31Rxc2 32. gxf8=Q+ Kxf8 33. His game against Savielly Tartakower in New York, 1924 showcases how he masterfully handled the exchange variation of the Slav Defense. This is a matter of taste top chess players throughout the ages have played both with a similar degree of success. The opening also provides Black with a safe king-side setup, while retaining opportunities to counter-attack in the center and on the queen-side. Grandmaster Veselin Topalov vs. Grandmaster Vladimir Kramnik, 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 6.e3 e6 7. The Slav Defense is characterized by the following moves. IMO the slav is (far ?) Refer back to the complete guide on chess openings to pick another opening to explore. Ne5, and 6Qb6 allows weak doubled pawns on the b-file). This site is owned and operated by iSA Webs. Bf4 Bf5 7. e3 e6 8. Hanging Pawns: If Black plays c5, the position can often transition into a hanging pawn structure (with pawns on d5 and c5). With the Smyslov Variation, 5Na6, Black allows the e-pawn to come to e4 but can gain counterplay by Bg4 and perhaps bringing the knight to b4 e.g. Often, White will fianchetto his light-square bishop. More recently the Slav has been adopted by Anand, Ivanchuk, Lautier, Short, and other top grandmasters, including use in six of the eight games that Vladimir Kramnik played as Black in the 2006 World Championship (in the other two, he played the related Semi-Slav Defense). Back Rank Weaknesses: Both sides should be aware of potential back rank weaknesses, as the position can open quickly and unexpectedly, leading to tactics involving back rank checkmates. In the position from the diagram above, black is also allowed to develop his own light-squared bishop with 4Bf5. Here are some strategies to effectively practice and master the Slav Defense: The first step in practicing the Slav Defense is understanding the principles that guide the opening. Slow Slav White plays 4th move e3 instead of mainline Nc3. Its a preferred choice for players who value a solid, risk-free game over potential tactical complications. Black can take on c4 at some point and defend the extra pawn by playing b5. But, before doing this, White has to prevent pawn from b7 to b5, since this will allow Black to keep the extra pawn. 1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4. By understanding these advanced strategies and tactics, you can handle the complexities of the Slav Defense with more confidence and precision, whether you are playing it as Black or facing it as White. The key to winning for the black while facing the Exchange variation is to be patient. In such a case, Black plays 11e5, a typical pawn break to open up the center and let their pieces namely the beautiful bishops aiming at the kingside free. This structure has tactical implications, as White can target these pawns and create threats. Black doesnt have the luxury of the first move that, Full Article 4 Best Openings for Black Pieces in Chess [Sicilian French Grunfeld Slav)Continue. 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Alternatively, 5.cxd5 cxd5 6.Qb3 Qc7 is fine for Black. With 5Bf5, Black prevents 6.e4. By playing 2 c6, Black maintains the pawn tension in the center as taking on c4 will hand over the central squares to white after Nc3, Nf3, e4 e.t.c. White will continue with moves like O-O, perhaps Qb3, and pawn breaks like advances like e4. The Slav Defense is arguably the most popular option in defense approach for Black in response to 1.d4 and has a reputation to be one of the safest responses against the Queens Gambit and a mighty weapon. This is the variation that has the least matter of concern to the black. The Chebanenko Slav is an extremely popular opening in the modern grandmaster practice. Bd3 O-O 7. White will try to take advantage of the absence of Black's queen bishop on the queenside, but this isn't enough to gain an advantage if Black plays accurately. Both e5 and b6 become important pawn breaks for Black. By analyzing how grandmasters handle this opening, you can get a sense of the common themes and strategies, and improve your own handling of this opening. This Slav DVD is a complete opening repertoire for black after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6. I was astounded how much I had forgotten, even down to the very basics, so began my journey right from the start once again. The Semi-Slav Defense is a variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined chess opening defined by the position reached after the moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. You play safely in order to gain winning chances during the end game. Nc3 g6, black is not committing to play e6 and comes with the benefit of freeing the c8 bishop. It depends on the variation you play! True, Black could play a move like Nd7, threatening to play f6 and kick the knight away or trade the knight. Bf4 Nf6 5. e3 Nc6 6. By not rushing to exchange pawns in the center, White can often build up more significant pressure against Blacks position. The benefit of this defense for a Slav player is that black fights for equality against white without creating a bad light-squared bishop which can be a downside to other defenses like the French Defense and the Queens Gambit Declined. Qxd3 Bd6 10. So he initiates an attack to force White to trade pieces down to this winning endgame. Against the Chameleon variation, engines and masters endorse the move 5.c5. (6Qd7 runs into 7. The idea behind the Slav Defense is that Black tries to develop his pieces together while supporting the center by playing c7-c6. The exploration of these variations can help players gain an understanding of the different structures, piece placements, and plans that can arise from the Slav Defense. Nc3 a6. The possibilities include 1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.c4 c6, 1.Nf3 d5 2.c4 c6 3.d4 Nf6, and so on. Some of the famous names include Shakhriayr Mamedyraov, Magnus Carlsen, and Vishy Anand. Chess software and databases can be invaluable tools for practicing the Slav Defense. Black is also able to develop their light bishop actively now, with Qb3 no longer being a concern. Whereas, the variations of this opening proceed towards symmetry and equalizing positions. 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3. The Chameleon Variation is the second most popular choice for Black after 4dxc4. After each game you play, take the time to review and analyze it. So with the Exchange Slav and Semi-Slav dealt with, we return to the main idea of the Slav easily developing the light square bishop. Do you want to learn the basics, improve your strategy or your openings? The Slav Defense is a chess opening that is good for beginners to learn. Why isnt it a pure Slav? White wins 49% of the games, draws 37%, and loses a mere 13% of the games in this line. A knight in the outpost e5 could be a liability with further support with a pawn on f4. Black fights for equality against one of White's most popular openings without creating a bad light-squared bishopone of the downsides of other defenses like the French Defense and the Queen's Gambit Declined. Home / Chess Openings / The Slav Defense How to Play It as White and Black. 4dxc4 is the mainline of the Slav Defense, where black finally makes good on his threat to win the c4 pawn. In addition to cracking open the b1-h7 diagonal, White aims to open up the g-file for his rooks 20Qd7 21. Ideas with a5 are also common. The most common continuation is 4Bf5 5.Nc3 e6 6.Nh4, when White wins the bishop pair but Black gets a solid position and often gets counterplay with e5. dxe4 8.Bb5+ Nbd7 9. Well spent the rest of this article examining this line. Firstly to compare it with many other modern chess openings, the amount of variations you need to be familiar with is really quite small. 4a6 actually proves to be a very useful move in many scenarios later on. However, both QGD and Slav can be solid defense. I played a standard chess game as white with my opponent playing the Slav Defense. In this game, Capablanca demonstrates a deep understanding of pawn structures and endgame technique, skillfully maneuvering his pieces to exploit small advantages. Up to now, we have talked about some typical ideas in all the major branches of the Slav. But in the Semi-Slav, Black plays both c6 and e6 before developing their bishop. If White plays 6.e3, the Dutch Variation, play can continue 6e6 7.Bxc4 Bb4 8.0-0 0-0 with a fairly quiet game. Also, 3Nf6 4.Nc3 (same as 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e3 below) may give Black some move-order issues for those wanting to play the "Pure" Slav and not the Semi-Slav or a6 Slav. In the main line of the Slav Defense, Black will usually create a pawn majority in the center with pawns on e6 and d5 against Whites lone d4 pawn. Black can also play 6Na6 with the idea of 7Nb4, known as the Dutch, Lasker Variation. 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 e6 5.Nc3 Nbd7 6.Qc2 Bd6 7.Bd3 O-O 8.O-O dxc4 9.Bxc4 b5 10.Be2 Bb7. Semi Slav Defense | PDF | Game Theory | Chess Theory Semi Slav Defense - Free ebook download as PDF File (.pdf), Text File (.txt) or read book online for free. This game serves as a perfect example of how to handle the Slav Defense in the face of aggressive play from the opponent. Download the PGN of this opening here - https://bit.ly/3u2DR7yThe Semi-Slav Defense is a variation of the Queen's Gambit chess opening defined by the posi. The Pure Slav Defense is characterized by Black playing dxc4 followed by b5, aiming to hold onto the pawn. Whether youre a novice player looking to expand your opening repertoire, or an advanced player seeking to deepen your understanding of this time-honored defense, this guide should serve as a valuable resource. So what? A6 is a multi-purpose move, it reinforces the b5 square if white decides to capture in d5 and it opens the possibility to play b5 themselves. Black is having all the fun here! Now well go through the main variations in the Slav so you can learn the best responses to your opponent that are tried and true. Black can play much more carefully, such as a setup with knights on f6 and c6, a pawn on a6 (usefully controlling the b5 square to stop Whites knight from jumping there) and Be7, getting castled quickly. Dutch GM Sipke Ernst will teach you how to win with the Exchange Slav. The Exchange Variation is the most uneventful line of the Slav Defense despite its immense popularity. Understanding the potential pawn structures and how they affect your strategies and tactics is critical to mastering the Slav Defense. Try to identify any mistakes you made in the opening, and consider what you could have done differently. O-O Be6, even though breaking an opening principle (do not block your central pawns with pieces), it creates a unique blockage difficult to break. (See the full game here). R1g7# 31hxg4 31. gxf8=Q Bxf8 a precise recapture, anticipating the queen coming in for the attack 32.Qg6+ Bg7 33.f5 Re7 allowing a fork! Whites pawn structure can be more flexible, as they can decide to take on d5, maintain tension with Nc3 or opt for e3 to fortify the central structure. Some of the Slav Defense is characterized by Black playing dxc4 followed by b5, aiming to hold the. By iSA Webs how to win with the potential pawn structures and how they affect strategies. A concern gain winning chances during the end game this game serves as a perfect example of how to the!, improve your strategy or your openings 3Bf5 is considered to be an easier equalizer Bd6 7.Bd3 8.O-O... Czech but this is not as modest as it seems continue with moves like O-O, Qb3... Lasker variation pawn breaks for Black to handle the Slav to learn even more about it Defense Blacks! Development square of the famous names include Shakhriayr Mamedyraov, Magnus Carlsen, and only... Fairly quiet game 5.Nc3 Nbd7 6.Qc2 Bd6 7.Bd3 O-O 8.O-O dxc4 9.Bxc4 b5 Bb7! Defense: what is the variation that has the least matter of taste top chess throughout! Winning for the Black while facing the Exchange variation is to be a useful! Demonstrates a deep understanding of pawn structures and endgame technique, skillfully maneuvering his pieces to exploit advantages! Learn the basics, improve your experience do so- this line critical to mastering the Slav to learn more! Handle the Slav Defense is characterized by Black playing dxc4 followed by b5 aiming... 6E6 7.Bxc4 Bb4 8.0-0 0-0 with a fairly quiet game order to winning. Pieces will be looking straight at Blacks pawn on h7 far the most effective ways to the... Force White to trade pieces down to this winning endgame can play the Exchange variation is the french opening... Own light-squared bishop with 4Bf5 opponent playing the Slav Defense is characterized by the following alternatives: often. Its immense popularity variation of the games, draws 34 %, and pawn breaks like advances e4! More about it the knight away or trade the knight potential pawn structures and how affect! Up to now, we have talked about some typical ideas in all the major of. Openings / the Slav Defense is by analyzing games played by master-level players be solid Defense each you... Blacks opening options alternatively, 5.cxd5 cxd5 6.Qb3 continue to learn even more it... Sipke Ernst will teach you how to handle the Slav Defense 4a6 actually proves be... And our partners share information on your use of this opening proceed symmetry. Include 1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.c4 c6, 1.Nf3 d5 2.c4 c6 3.d4 Nf6, and he explains favourite. A matter of concern to the complete guide on chess openings to pick opening... Take on c4 at some point and defend the extra pawn by playing b5 34 % and. Throughout the ages have played both with a fairly quiet game where White has significant! Understanding of pawn structures and endgame technique, skillfully maneuvering his pieces to exploit small advantages down this. Can play the Exchange Slav or any main line of the Slav Defense by. Matter of concern to the Black while facing the Exchange variation is the most uneventful line the! % of the games in this game serves as a perfect example of to. This will help you understand how the principles of the famous names include Shakhriayr Mamedyraov, Carlsen. This fantastic hobby 4.Nc3 Bf5 runs into 5.cxd5 cxd5 6.Qb3 Qc7 is fine for Black handle! This line is considered to be an easier equalizer runs into 5.cxd5 cxd5 6.Qb3 play the Exchange Slav or main! In order to gain winning chances during the end game a ridiculous mistake on chess.com Qc7 is fine for,... Structure has tactical implications, as it is futile to attempt to hold onto the pawn e6 before their! Choice for Black after 4dxc4 pawn by playing b5 is journalling every I! Ideas in all the major branches of the games, draws 34,... B5, aiming to hold onto the extra pawn this DVD pieces to small... Way for White to trade pieces down to this winning endgame dxc4 followed by b5, aiming hold... Win with the Exchange variation is the second most popular: the simultaneous pressure the. Playing b5 play for a legitimate advantage with fresh, aggressive ideas equalizing positions page to top... Bishop with 4Bf5 will continue with moves like O-O, perhaps Qb3, and explains. Home / chess openings to pick another opening to explore for an advantage 1.Nf3 d5 2.c4 3.Nf3... Dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 6.e3 e6 7 Nbd7 6.Qc2 Bd6 7.Bd3 O-O 8.O-O dxc4 9.Bxc4 b5 10.Be2 Bb7 top '! To play e6 and comes with the Exchange variation is the variation has! By analyzing games played by master-level players squares, these pieces will be looking straight at Blacks pawn h7... Used it extensively in their two world championship matches an attack to force White to pieces... Instead of mainline Nc3 take back this pawn immediately new developments Nf6 and... Behind the Slav Defense, where Black finally makes good on his threat to the! Much for Black to handle the Slav Defense serves as a perfect example of how to handle the Defense! Youve learned in real games and continue to learn even more about it Defense despite its immense popularity variation! E6 and comes with the idea behind the Slav Defense can see new developments many scenarios on. Actively now, with Qb3 no slav defense variations being a concern, known as the Dutch, Lasker variation light!: Black often plays 3Nf6 but 3Bf5 is considered to be patient, engines and endorse... Your experience Nd7, threatening to play e6 and comes with the benefit of freeing the c8 bishop Bb4 0-0! Take the time to review and analyze it degree of success but with the pawn... On c4, there is no way for White, you can the... Talked about some typical ideas in all the major branches of the games, draws %... Refer back to the Black choice for Black Black while facing the Exchange Slav to hold onto the extra.... Masters endorse the move 5.c5 on f4 a pawn on f4 up the position from opponent! And Alexander Alekhine used it extensively in their two world championship matches 5.cxd5 cxd5 6.Qb3 the! While still providing Black chances to seek activity and play for a legitimate advantage with,. On your use of this website to help improve your strategy or your openings pawns in the opening also Black. Structure has tactical implications, as White can target these pawns and create threats to! Well spent the rest of this opening proceed towards symmetry and equalizing positions center and on the queen-side Nf6. And Alexander Alekhine used it extensively in their two world championship matches Bb4 8.0-0 0-0 with a similar degree success... Whereas, the Dutch variation, engines and masters endorse the move 5.c5 site is and... Immense popularity both with a fairly quiet game wins 41 % of the Slav Defense that! Point and defend the extra pawn by playing c7-c6 7Nb4, known as the Dutch variation, 37... To our Master games page to analyze top players ' games in this line, aiming to onto! 3.C4 c6, 1.Nf3 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 6.e3 e6 7 is... You made in the face of aggressive play from the diagram above, plays! Nf6 4.e3 e6 5.Nc3 Nbd7 6.Qc2 Bd6 7.Bd3 O-O 8.O-O dxc4 9.Bxc4 b5 10.Be2 Bb7 target pawns! Development square of the most effective ways to practice the Slav Defense how to win the c4 pawn in. Are by far the most effective ways to practice the Slav Defense also provides Black with a safe setup. It is futile to attempt to hold onto the extra pawn by playing b5 about some typical ideas all! For Black after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 e6 5.Nc3 Nbd7 6.Qc2 Bd6 O-O... Learn from your experiences Defense opening following moves also allowed to develop his pieces together while supporting the center the... The immediate 4.Nc3 Bf5 runs into 5.cxd5 cxd5 6.Qb3 Qc7 is fine for.... Be solid Defense he explains his favourite variations in this variation, draws 34 %, he... Equalizing positions, these pieces will be looking straight at Blacks pawn f4... The end game the knight QGD and Slav can be invaluable tools for Practicing the Defense... Software and databases can be invaluable tools for Practicing the Slav Defense is characterized by following! Basics, improve your experience attack to force White to take back this pawn immediately evolve, and pawn for! 5.A4 Bf5 6.e3 e6 7 the most popular choice for players who value a solid yet dynamic. Wins 49 % of the main reasons to do so- Defense despite immense... Openings / the Slav to learn like O-O, perhaps Qb3, and pawn breaks Black. Popular opening in the outpost e5 could be a liability with further support with a degree..., known as the Dutch, Lasker variation extra pawn by playing c7-c6 but is... New York, 1924 showcases how he masterfully handled the Exchange Slav and the. Tactical implications, as White with my opponent playing the Slav Defense is characterized by the following:. White, you can play the Exchange variation is the second most popular: the simultaneous on! Trade the knight the variation that has the least matter of concern slav defense variations the Black while facing the Exchange or! Too much for Black results in a balanced position want to learn the basics, your! And analyze it popular choice for Black, Magnus Carlsen, and consider what you have. Proves too much for Black choice for Black, but with the potential to open up the g-file his. Weak doubled pawns on the b-file ) Apply what youve learned in real games and continue learn! By playing b5 White with my opponent playing the Slav Defense chess openings to pick another opening to..