Slav Defense: Modern Alapin & Czech Variations
Slav Defense
Definition
The Slav Defense is one of the main responses to the Queen’s Gambit, arising after the moves 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6. Black reinforces the d5–pawn with a flank pawn instead of the king’s pawn (…e6), keeping the dark-squared bishop on c8 unblocked. ECO codes D10–D19 cover the many sub-branches of the Slav.
Typical Move Order
Most games continue 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3, after which Black chooses among:
- 4…dxc4 – the Modern line (leading to the Alapin and related ideas)
- 4…e6 – the Semi-Slav complex
- 4…a6 – the Czech Variation
- 4…g6, 4…Bf5, or other sidelines
Strategic Significance
- Solid yet dynamic; Black keeps a healthy pawn structure and open lines for the queen-side bishop.
- Slav structures lead to rich middlegame plans: minority attacks with b2–b4–b5 for White, or …c5 breaks and minority counter-play for Black.
- Endgames often favor the better-placed minor pieces because pawn weaknesses are few.
Historical Notes
The name “Slav” stems from early adoption by Eastern-European masters such as Alapin, Dus-Chotimirsky, and later Alekhine. It became world-championship material in the 1920s, when Capablanca and Lasker both employed it in their title match. Practically every modern champion—from Botvinnik through Carlsen—has had it in the repertoire.
Illustrative Example
After 8.O-O, both sides have developed harmoniously; Black still holds the extra pawn on c4 but must decide how to safeguard it (…b5) or return it for rapid development.
Interesting Facts
- In the 2016 World Championship tiebreaks, Carlsen used the Slav to neutralize Karjakin and set up his famous winning combination in game 4.
- The Slav is sometimes dubbed the “Swiss-army knife” of openings because of its many distinct branches that suit solid, tactical, or highly theoretical tastes.
Modern Variation of the Slav Defense
Definition
The Modern Variation begins with an early capture: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4. Black immediately takes the c4-pawn, challenging White to prove compensation in space and development. ECO codes D11–D15 encompass adjacent sidelines, while D16–D19 explore deeper sub-lines.
Key Ideas for Black
- Hold the extra c-pawn long enough to force a concession—usually by preparing …b5.
- Deploy the queen-side pieces flexibly: …Bf5 (or …Bg4 in some lines) before playing …e6.
- Break in the center with …c5 or, if White overextends, return the pawn on favorable terms.
Key Ideas for White
- Rapid development (e3, Bxc4, Qe2, Rd1) to regain c4 with tempo.
- Avoid letting …b5 cement the pawn; 5.a4 (Alapin) is the most direct method.
- Take advantage of the half-open e-file once Black plays …e6 by planting pieces on e5 or opening lines for a kingside initiative.
Model Game
Kramnik – Topalov, WCh (Game 2) 2006
Kramnik’s elegant 10.e4 established a broad center, and he later converted the space advantage into an endgame win.
Anecdote
Grandmaster Nigel Short once joked, “The only modern thing about the Modern Slav is how many megabytes of theory it takes up.” Indeed, elite players spend enormous computer time on forced sequences after 5.a4.
Alapin Variation
Definition
The name “Alapin Variation” appears in more than one opening, honoring Russian master Semyon Alapin (1856-1923). Two usages are common:
- Sicilian Defense, Alapin (anti-Sicilian): 1. e4 c5 2. c3 (ECO B22-B23)
- Slav Defense, Alapin: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. a4 (ECO D16). This is the sense intended inside the Slav framework.
Why 5.a4?
By advancing the a-pawn, White:
- Prevents Black’s main counter-plan …b5, ensuring the c4-pawn cannot be held comfortably.
- Gains a useful hook on a4 for later rook lifts (Ra3–Rg3) or minority attacks.
- Sometimes prepares Nc3-e5 or Qc2 to pressure the weakened long diagonal.
Typical Continuations
- 5…Bf5 6.e3 e6 7.Bxc4 – Classical development, leading to positions seen in Carlsen–Karjakin, Stavanger 2016.
- 5…Na6 – The Smyslov System, trying to hold on to c4 in an unorthodox fashion.
Illustrative Miniature
Karpov – Chernin, Leningrad 1989
Karpov’s smooth central build-up led to a textbook demonstration of space and piece activity.
Interesting Fact
Although Alapin himself never played the 5.a4 idea (it appeared decades after his death), the variation honors his pioneering analytical work on early pawn sacrifices and flank play.
Czech Variation of the Slav
Definition
The Czech Variation arises after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 a6 (ECO D17–D19). Black forgoes the immediate capture on c4 and instead plays the waiting move …a6, preparing …dxc4 and …b5 under better circumstances.
Strategic Themes
- Flexible Timing: By delaying …dxc4, Black keeps central tension and can decide later whether to capture.
- Pawn Chain on the Queen Side: The combination …a6 and …b5 seeks space, similar to the Queen’s Gambit Accepted but with the bishop still inside the pawn chain.
- Slow-burn Positions: The game often develops quietly; both sides maneuver before pawn breaks (e4/e5 for White, …c5 for Black).
Typical Lines
- 5.c5 – The Advance: White gains space but c5 can become a target.
- 5.e3 b5 – Benko-style expansion, yet without sacrificing material.
- 5.a4 dxc4 6.e3 – Returning to familiar Modern/Alapin-type structures.
Historical Highlight
The variation was a favorite of Czech-born grandmasters Oldřich Duras and Salo Flohr in the early 20th century, hence its regional nickname.
Example Game
Aronian – Anand, Wijk aan Zee 2008
Anand patiently equalized with …c5 and later liquidated to a drawn rook ending.
Anecdote
When asked why he chose the Czech Slav instead of sharper options, former World Champion Anatoly Karpov quipped, “Some positions are like Czech beer—slowly brewed but very satisfying.”