Slav Defense: Modern Slav and Variations
Slav Defense
Definition
The Slav Defense is one of the main answers to the Queen’s Gambit. It arises after the moves 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6. Black supports the d5–pawn with the c-pawn instead of the more classical …e6, leaving the light-squared bishop free.
Typical Move-Order
After the basic starting position, play most often continues:
- 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 (entering the main tabiya)
- Black may choose among …dxc4, …e6, …a6, …g6, or …Bf5, leading to a forest of named sub-variations (Modern Slav, Alapin, Czech, Krause, Semi-Slav, etc.).
Strategic Ideas
- Maintain a rock-solid pawn chain on dark squares (c6–d5-e6) and develop the queen’s bishop outside the pawn wall.
- Grab the c4-pawn when convenient and try to hold it, forcing White to spend time regaining it.
- Counterattack in the center with …c5 or …e5 once development is complete.
Historical Significance
The opening appeared in master play as early as the 1880s but became truly fashionable after the 1920s when players such as Alekhine, Capablanca and later Euwe demonstrated its resilience. Today it is a staple in world-championship preparation—used by Kramnik, Carlsen, and Caruana, among many others.
Illustrative Mini-Game
Capablanca – Alekhine, Buenos Aires 1927 (World Championship, Game 7):
Interesting Facts
- The ECO codes for the Slav run from D10 to D19.
- Because the bishop on c8 is free, many consider the Slav to have “fixed” the traditional Queen’s Gambit Declined problem of a bad bishop.
- In the early computer-chess era, the Slav was one of the first defenses successfully “solved” by programs against top grandmasters (Kasparov – Deep Blue 1997 featured it twice).
Modern Slav (Modern Variation)
Definition
The term Modern Slav usually refers to the line that begins 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. a4. By capturing on c4 early, Black invites White to spend time recapturing the pawn while gaining harmonious development.
Key Continuations
- 5…Bf5 (Krause)—main line, putting the bishop on an active diagonal.
- 5…Na6—preparing …Nb4 to hold the pawn.
- 5…e6—a quieter set-up that can transpose to the Semi-Slav.
Strategic Themes
- Black tries to hang on to the extra c-pawn with …b5 or piece support.
- White gains space on the queenside with a4 and may sacrifice the pawn for a lead in development.
- The struggle often revolves around whether …c5 breaks free or if White can plant a knight on e5/c5.
Notable Game
Topalov – Kramnik, Wijk aan Zee 2008 illustrated modern treatment:
Anecdote
The Modern Slav gained popularity after it served as a main weapon in the 2000 Kramnik–Kasparov match, where it helped Vladimir Kramnik wrest the world title from Kasparov without losing a single game as Black.
Alapin Variation (in the Slav)
Definition
Named after Russian theoretician Semyon Alapin, the Slav Alapin begins 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3. White opts for a flexible set-up that eschews the immediate Nc3 in favor of quick development and a solid pawn chain.
Plans for Both Sides
- White: Rapid development (Bd3, O-O), possible minority attack with b4–b5, or central thrust e3–e4.
- Black: Several replies—4…Bf5 (Wiesbaden), 4…Bg4, 4…e6, or transpositions to the Semi-Slav.
Model Position
Why Play It?
The Alapin sidesteps the massive theory of the main lines while keeping open the possibility of an early cxd5 or e4 break. It is popular with positional players (e.g., Gelfand, Karpov in his later years) who relish subtle maneuvering.
Trivia
- The same name appears in the Sicilian (2.c3), leading to occasional confusion.
- According to a 2022 Mega-Database search, grandmasters have scored 53 % with White in the Alapin Slav—respectable but less than the sharp 4.Nc3 lines.
Czech Variation (Slav Defense)
Definition
The Czech Variation is characterized by Black’s early queenside expansion: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 a6. The idea is to support …b5 and clamp down on White’s attempts to regain the c4-pawn after …dxc4.
Main Line
After 4…a6 White commonly plays 5. c5 (space-grab) or 5. cxd5. A typical sequence is:
Strategic Nuances
- Black accepts some loss of time (…a6, …b5) in return for solid pawn structure and queenside space.
- The pawn on c5 can become both a spearhead and a target; Black often strikes back with …e5 or …b6.
Historical Note
The line was heavily analysed by Czech masters after WW I—hence the name. Eduard Prameshuber and Karel Opočenský were early adopters.
Fun Fact
The Czech Variation has been nicknamed the “Slav with a4 reversed” because Black, not White, is the one investing a move in a rook-pawn to secure the queenside.
Krause Variation (Slav Defense)
Definition & Move-Order
After 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. a4 Bf5 we reach the Krause Variation—named for German master Paul Krause (not to be confused with “Krauser”). Black protects the extra pawn with the bishop instead of a knight.
Key Ideas
- Black keeps the c4-pawn and aims for …e6 and …Bb4+, putting pressure on the c3-knight.
- White usually replies 6.e3 (regain the pawn calmly) or 6.Nh4 (attempt to trap the bishop).
Sample Continuation
Practical Considerations
The Krause is an ambitious attempt by Black—if the bishop is chased from f5, the loss of tempi can be felt. On the other hand, holding the pawn often grants Black easy equality and even winning chances in simplified endings.
Anecdote
World Champions have debated this line more than once: the game Anand – Kramnik, Bonn 2008, featured a critical test of the Krause that ended in a tense draw after 29 moves.
Wiesbaden Variation (Slav Defense)
Definition
The Wiesbaden Variation usually denotes the line 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 Bf5. Black develops the queen’s bishop actively before closing the diagonal with …e6, echoing ideas from the Caro-Kann.
Nomenclature
The name stems from the 1929 Wiesbaden tournament where the setup was analysed extensively by German masters, although its roots go back even earlier.
Plans & Counter-Plans
- White may try 5.Nc3, 5.Qb3, or 5.cxd5 to challenge the bishop. The aggressive 5.Nh4 also appears, aiming to win the pair of bishops.
- Black generally follows with …e6, …Nbd7, and …Be7, arguing that the bishop on f5 is well-placed no matter what.
Theory Snapshot
Why It Matters
Although considered slightly passive compared with the Krause, the Wiesbaden gives Black a clear, easy-to-understand plan. It is frequently recommended to club players as a low-maintenance alternative to heavy main-line theory.
Curiosity
The same early …Bf5 idea also occurs in the London System (roles reversed) and the Caro-Kann, making the Wiesbaden a convenient choice for players who favor such structures across multiple openings.