Slav Defense: Modern Alapin, Czech Bled Attack
Slav Defense
Definition
The Slav Defense is one of Black’s most reliable and time-tested answers to the Queen’s Gambit, arising after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6. By supporting the d5-pawn with ...c6 instead of ...e6, Black keeps the light-squared bishop on c8 free and creates a solid yet dynamic pawn structure.
Typical Move Order
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 (
Strategic Themes
- Solid Center: The pawn chain d5–c6 gives Black a sturdy foothold while avoiding the passive queen’s-pawn structures that can arise in the Queen’s Gambit Declined.
- Flexibility of the c8-Bishop: Because the bishop is not shut in by ...e6, it can develop to f5, g4, or even b7 after ...dxc4 and ...b5–...Bb7.
- Minor-Piece Activity vs. Space: White usually gains more space in the center and on the queenside, while Black aims for harmonious piece play and timely counter-blows with ...e5 or ...c5.
Historical Significance
Although known since the 16th century, the Slav rose to prominence in the early 20th century thanks to Czech masters such as Oldřich Duras and Karl Hromádka. It became a staple in world-championship play—most famously in the 1927 Alekhine–Capablanca match— and remains in the repertoires of elite grandmasters like Vladimir Kramnik, Magnus Carlsen, and Fabiano Caruana.
Illustrative Games
- Alekhine – Capablanca, World Championship, Buenos Aires 1927: A classical stem-game featuring the Exchange Slav where Capablanca demonstrated the robustness of Black’s structure.
- Kramnik – Topalov, Linares 1998: Showcases the sharp Marshall Gambit (3...e5) illustrating that the Slav can also be uncompromisingly aggressive.
- Carlsen – Caruana, Berlin Candidates 2018: Modern handling with the ...a6 Slav (Chebanenko), highlighting flexible pawn setups.
Interesting Facts
- The name “Slav” reflects its early popularity among Czech and Slovak players at the turn of the 20th century.
- ECO codes D10–D19 are devoted entirely to the myriad Slav Defense branches—one of the largest single openings in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings.
- Many computer engines rate the main lines of the Slav at near equality, contributing to its enduring popularity in top-level chess.
Modern Alapin Variation (of the Slav)
Definition
The Modern Alapin Variation is a quiet but flexible system against the Slav Defense, entered after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3. Named after Russian theoretician Evgeny Alapin, the line emphasizes rapid development and a solid center, delaying the customary Nc3 and often preparing Bd3, Qe2, and castling kingside.
Typical Move Order and Ideas
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 (
- White’s Plan: Develop pieces harmoniously (Bd3, 0-0, b3, Bb2) and keep options open for cxd5, Nc3, or even e4 in one stroke.
- Black’s Replies:
- 4...Bf5 or 4...Bg4 aiming for normal Slav piece pressure.
- 4...e6 transposing to Semi-Slav structures but with the knight already on f3.
- 4...g6 leading directly to the Czech (Bled) Attack.
Strategic Features
- Reduced Theory: Compared with sharp 4.Nc3 or 4.g3 systems, the Modern Alapin avoids the heaviest theoretical lines while preserving plenty of play.
- Control of e4: By placing a pawn on e3 and a knight on f3, White keeps a firm grip on the e4-square, deterring Black’s immediate central breaks.
- Piece Activity over Pawn Tension: White often refrains from cxd5 until it is positionally justified, maintaining flexibility in the center.
Notable Games
- Alapin – Niemzowitsch, St. Petersburg 1914: A pioneering struggle that revealed the solidity of the system.
- Aronian – Kramnik, Wijk aan Zee 2014: Showed top-level respect for the line; Kramnik adopted 4...g6 heading for Czech-style setups.
Fun Facts
- Evgeny Alapin (1856-1923) also lends his name to 2.c3 against the Sicilian; few players have openings named for them with both 1.e4 and 1.d4!
- The “Modern” qualifier distinguishes it from older move orders (such as an early Nc3) that were tested in the 19th century.
Czech (Bled) Attack
Definition
The Czech, or Bled, Attack is an aggressive counter-system for Black against the Modern Alapin Slav, initiated by the kingside fianchetto ...g6 and a later central strike ...c5. The name “Bled” commemorates its successful debut by Czech masters in the famous Bled tournament of 1931.
Main Line
The most common sequence is:
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 g6 5.Nc3 Bg7 6.Bd3 O-O 7.O-O dxc4 8.Bxc4 c5 (
Strategic Essence
- Grünfeld-Flavored Counterplay: Black combines Slav solidity with Grünfeld-style pressure on d4 after ...c5 and ...Nc6, often forcing an isolated-queen-pawn or hanging-pawn structure upon White.
- Minor-Piece Activity: The g7-bishop and knight maneuvers to c6 and b4 can create concrete threats against White’s center and kingside.
- Imbalanced Pawn Structure: Black usually yields the two bishops or a slight space disadvantage in exchange for dynamic piece coordination and open lines.
Theoretical Status
While not as theoretically bulletproof as mainline Slavs, the Czech/Bled Attack is fully respectable and enjoys surprise value. Modern engines evaluate most main lines as roughly equal, provided Black plays energetically.
Historic & Modern Examples
- Flohr – Tartakower, Bled 1931: The encounter that popularized the variation; Tartakower’s illustrative ...c5 break inspired the name “Bled Attack.”
- Ivanchuk – Svidler, Linares 1999: A creative modern duel where Svidler equalized comfortably, underscoring the line’s practical viability.
Interesting Tidbits
- The term “Czech” pays tribute to the Prague-based players who systematized the idea; “Bled” honors the Slovenian resort town where it first made headlines.
- Because the line often features Grünfeld motifs, players who already know the Grünfeld Defense can adapt quickly to the Czech/Bled setups on the Black side of the Slav.
- Grandmasters Alexander Grischuk and Peter Svidler—both Grünfeld specialists—have adopted the Czech/Bled Attack to expand their Slav arsenals.