Slav defence
The Slav defence is an important reply to 1d4. It is popular with top players. The Slav usually begins:
The Slav defence
| a | b | c | d | e | f | g | h | ||
| 8 |              | 8 | |||||||
| 7 | 7 | ||||||||
| 6 | 6 | ||||||||
| 5 | 5 | ||||||||
| 4 | 4 | ||||||||
| 3 | 3 | ||||||||
| 2 | 2 | ||||||||
| 1 | 1 | ||||||||
| a | b | c | d | e | f | g | h | ||
Black to move
- 1.d4 d5
- 2.c4 c6 (this is the characteristic move of the Slav)
- 3.Nf3 Nf6
- 4.Nc3 (see diagram)
Other fourth moves for White are 4.e3, 4.cxd5 and 4.Qb3.
The Slav proper
Now 4...dxc4 is the Slav:
Mainline
This line was explored in two world championship matches between Alekhine and Euwe in 1935 and 1937.
- 5.a4 Bf5
- 6.e3 e6
- 7.Bxc4 Bb4
- 8.0-0 0-0
Slav Gambit
- 5.e3 or e4
- with 5...b5 Black keeps the pawn
The Semi-Slav
- 4...e6 is the Semi-Slav:
The Russian variation
Sometimes called the Botvinnik variation.
- 5.Bg5 dxc4
- 6.e4 b5
- 7.e5 h6
- 8.Bh4 g5
- 9.Nxg5 hxg5
- 10.Bxg5 Nbd7
- 11.exf6 Bb7
- 12.g3 Bb7
The Meran defence
- 5.e3 Nbd7
- 6.Bd3 dxc4
- 7.Bxc4 b5
- 8.Bd3 Bb7
- 9.0-0 a6
- 10.e4 c5
References
- Matthew Sadler 1997. The Slav. Chess Press, Brighton
- Matthew Sadler 1998. The Semi-Slav. Chess Press, Brighton.
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