Slav Defense: Modern Alapin & Soultanbeieff Variation
Slav Defense
Definition
The Slav Defense is a solid reply for Black to the Queen’s Gambit that begins 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6. By supporting the d5-pawn with the c-pawn instead of the traditional …e6 (as in the Queen’s Gambit Declined), Black keeps the light-squared bishop free and constructs an exceptionally resilient pawn structure.
Typical Move-Order & Branches
- 1.d4 d5
- 2.c4 c6 – the starting position of the Slav.
- 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 (or 4.e3, 4.g3, etc.)
Main continuations include:
- Classical Slav: 4…dxc4 5.a4 Bf5
- Chebanenko Slav: 4…a6
- Exchange Slav: 3.cxd5
- Alapin Variation: 4.e3 (focus of the next sections)
Strategic Hallmarks
- Pawn Triangle c6–d5–e6 may appear later, giving Black both solidity and counter-punching chances.
- The queen’s bishop can be developed outside the pawn chain to f5 or g4 before …e6 is played.
- Because Black refrains from …e6, the c8-bishop often becomes an active piece rather than a “problem piece.”
Historical Significance
Popularized by masters such as Akiba Rubinstein and Alexander Alekhine in the early 20th century, the Slav has been an ever-present choice at elite level. It featured in championship matches from Euwe–Alekhine (1937) through Kramnik–Kasparov (2000) and continues to anchor many top grandmasters’ repertoires.
Illustrative Mini-Game
This short PGN snippet shows the main Classical line in which Black immediately captures on c4.
Interesting Facts
- Because of its rock-solid nature, computers regularly choose the Slav in engine vs. engine matches when they must “hold a draw.”
- The word “Slav” simply refers to its early practitioners—many came from Slavic countries—but the opening is truly universal today.
Modern Alapin Variation of the Slav
Definition & Move-Order
The (Modern) Alapin Variation arises after:
- 1.d4 d5
- 2.c4 c6
- 3.Nf3 Nf6
- 4.e3 Bg4
4.e3 is the Alapin Move, named for Russian theoretician Semyon Alapin. Black’s immediate pin 4…Bg4 adds the adjective “Modern,” distinguishing it from older setups with …Bf5 or …e6.
Strategic Ideas
- White aims for a harmonious development with Bd3, Qc2, Nbd2, often preparing a later e3–e4 pawn break.
- Black exchanges long-term solidity for dynamic piece play: the pin on the f3-knight can be annoying, and Black may delay …e6 to keep the c8-bishop active.
- Both sides must watch tactical tricks on the c- and d-files—particularly moves like …e5 or …c5 from Black.
Historical & Practical Relevance
This line surged in popularity in the 1990s and 2000s when players such as Vladimir Kramnik, Peter Leko, and Vishy Anand adopted it against 1.d4 specialists. It offers a practical alternative to the heavily analyzed Meran and Botvinnik systems of the Semi-Slav.
Model Game
Short & sweet example (Kramnik vs. Leko, Dortmund 2003, annotated in many opening manuals):
Black traded on f3 early, following a well-known path in the Modern Alapin.
Interesting Nuggets
- Because White’s bishop is still on c1, 5.Qb3!?—simultaneously hitting d5 and b7—has become a trendy sideline against the Modern Alapin.
- Many club players fear the pin on f3, yet engines show that calmly breaking it with h3 and g4 often gives White a small pull.
Soultanbeieff Variation (within the Modern Alapin)
Definition & Starting Position
After the Modern Alapin’s first few moves, the Soultanbeieff Variation crystallizes with:
- 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 Bg4 5.h3 Bh5
The retreat 5…Bh5 (instead of exchanging on f3) was championed by the Belgian master Victor Soultanbéieff in the 1930s, giving the line its name.
Why Not 5…Bxf3?
Trading immediately hands White the bishop pair and eases development, so 5…Bh5 keeps the tension. Black invites g2–g4, hoping to exploit dark-square weaknesses or provoke over-extension.
Typical Continuation
White often chases the bishop with g4 and g5, occupying e5 and gaining space; Black counters in the center with …Nbd7, …Bb4, or …c5.
Strategic Themes
- Space vs. Structure: White grabs kingside space, but the stretched pawn cover (h3, g4, g5) can become a target later.
- Central Breaks: Black tries to hit back with …c5 or …e5 while White’s pieces are tied to the kingside.
- Piece Coordination: Black’s dark-squared bishop may reroute via d6 to c7 or b8 to maintain pressure on e5.
Historical Example
Soultanbeieff – Koltanowski, Belgian Ch. 1936 is the landmark game:
Soultanbeieff’s energetic 7.Ne5 and 8.Nxg6 led to an imbalanced middlegame that he eventually converted.
Modern Practice
Although rare at super-GM level, the Soultanbeieff line is popular in rapid and club play because:
- It sidesteps mountains of theory in the main Slav.
- Both sides must think independently from an early stage.
Fun Facts
- Soultanbéieff wrote under the pen-name “Victor Brixhe” for French chess journals.
- Engines evaluate 5…Bh5 as fully playable, yet practical results at amateur level favor White, largely due to the initiative gained by g2-g4.