Slav Defense Modern Alapin Variation Smyslov Variation
Slav Defense
Definition
The Slav Defense is a solid reply to the Queen’s Gambit that begins 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6. Black boldly protects the d5-pawn with the c-pawn instead of the customary …e6, preserving the activity of the light-squared bishop and avoiding the structural weakness created by an isolated queen’s pawn.
Typical Move-Order
Common main-line play continues:
- 1.d4 d5
- 2.c4 c6
- 3.Nf3 Nf6
- 4.Nc3 dxc4 – the “Classical” Slav, where Black grabs the c-pawn and defends it with …b5.
Several major branches arise, such as the Exchange Slav (3.cxd5 cxd5), Chebanenko/…a6 Slav (…a6 early), Semi-Slav (…e6 combined with …Nf6), and the aggressive Noteboom.
Strategic Ideas
- Black maintains a rock-solid pawn chain d5–c6, is ready for …e7–e6 in one move, and enjoys an unobstructed c8-bishop.
- White usually fights for a central space advantage, quick development, and often targets the weak c6 square or the queenside pawns if Black plays …dxc4 and …b5.
- Typical middlegames revolve around minority attacks (b-pawn advance for White), hanging pawn structures after …c5, or isolated queen’s pawns if Black plays …dxc4 followed by …e5.
Historical Significance
The opening was already known in the 19th century, but it rose to prominence in the 1920s when players from the “Slav school” (notably Alekhine’s Russian contemporaries) proved its resilience—hence the name. It became a pillar of the repertoires of World Champions such as Euwe, Botvinnik, Kramnik, and Carlsen.
Illustrative Mini-Game
The fragment above (from Kramnik–Kasparov, World Championship 2000, Game 2) shows the critical tabiya where Kramnik’s deep preparation in the Slav set the tone for his successful match.
Interesting Facts
- In the entire Kasparov–Kramnik 2000 match, Kasparov (with White) never managed to defeat Kramnik’s Slav Defense.
- The queenside minority attack plan (b4–b5) is so thematic that club players often speak of “Slav reflexes” when playing b-pawns in queen-pawn openings.
- Because the Slav avoids the temporarily blocked c8-bishop of the Queen’s Gambit Declined, some theoreticians rookishly dub it “the Queen’s Gambit Improved.”
Modern Alapin Variation (Sicilian Defense)
Definition
The Modern Alapin is a sub-line of the Alapin Variation of the Sicilian Defense that arises after 1.e4 c5 2.c3 Nf6 3.e5 Nd5 4.d4. By replying 2…Nf6 immediately, Black invites the pawn fork e5, but argues that the knight on d5 is well-placed, while White obtains space but must justify the advanced e-pawn.
Main Line
- 1.e4 c5
- 2.c3 Nf6
- 3.e5 Nd5
- 4.d4 cxd4
- 5.Nf3 Nc6
- 6.cxd4 d6 or 6…e6
Strategic Themes
- White builds a large pawn center (e5 & d4) and hopes to develop rapidly with Nc3, Bd3, O-O, and sometimes d4-d5 to cramp Black’s position.
- Black aims to undermine the center with …d6, …dxe5, …d6-d5, or the thematic …f6 break. The knight on d5 can later reroute via b6–d5 or even f4/h5 in some lines.
- Because the c-pawn is already committed to c3, typical Sicilian counterplay on the c-file is muted, so Black seeks dynamic piece activity instead.
Historical & Practical Relevance
Though not as common as the Open Sicilian, the Modern Alapin is a valuable surprise weapon. Sergey Tiviakov famously built an elite-level + score with 2.c3, and Fabiano Caruana revived the line against Magnus Carlsen in classical and rapid encounters (e.g., Norway Chess 2015).
Example Continuation
Here both sides are fully developed; White will often castle long and launch a kingside pawn storm, while Black targets d4 and contests the long diagonal.
Trivia
- The variation is sometimes called the “Fadeev Attack” in older Soviet literature, after Analoly Fadeev’s early investigations.
- The name “Alapin” honors Russian master Semyon Alapin (1856-1923), who championed 2.c3 as early as 1896, decades before grandmasters fully appreciated it.
- Engines give the Modern Alapin a nearly equal evaluation, making it attractive to players seeking positional rather than tactical Sicilian battles.
Smyslov Variation (Grünfeld Defense)
Definition
The Smyslov Variation of the Grünfeld Defense enters after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nf3 Bg7 4.Nc3 d5 5.Bg5. The early bishop pin disrupts Black’s plan of capturing on c4 and challenges the traditional Grünfeld idea of rapid central counter-thrusts.
Key Position
The pin on f6 makes …Ne4 or …dxc4 less attractive, so Black must choose an accurate scheme such as 5…Ne4 6.Bh4 Nxc3 7.bxc3 dxc4, or 5…c5 6.dxc5 Ne4.
Strategic Insights
- White delays the usual pawn center with cxd5 or e4, striving instead for piece pressure on the d5-knight and dark squares.
- Black can shed the pin via …Ne4 or …c6 & …dxc4, after which the game often transposes to familiar Grünfeld pawn-structures but with the bishop already posted on g5/h4.
- Tensions around the center may erupt if White later plays cxd5 followed by e4, claiming a firm spatial advantage.
Historical Background
Named for 7th World Champion Vasily Smyslov, who employed the system in the 1950s—including his World Championship matches versus Mikhail Botvinnik. The line retains theoretical bite and is regularly seen at top level; e.g., Radjabov–Anand, Wijk aan Zee 2006.
Sample Game Fragment
The struggle revolves around whether Black’s extra pawn on c4 can be exploited before White completes development and seizes the center with e4.
Did You Know?
- Smyslov, renowned for his endgame skills, valued harmonious piece placement; 5.Bg5 exemplifies this philosophy by activating the bishop at the earliest opportunity.
- The line serves as an excellent transpositional weapon—after certain Black replies, it can drift into the Queen’s Indian, Bogo-Indian, or even Benoni structures.
- Modern engines estimate the variation as dynamically balanced, yet practical chances abound because both sides must navigate early piece tension without clear pawn anchors.