Slav Defense: Modern Alapin & Steiner Variation

Slav Defense

Definition

The Slav Defense is a solid reply to 1.d4 that begins with the moves 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6. Black immediately supports the central pawn on d5 with the c-pawn instead of the traditional …e6 as in the Queen’s Gambit Declined. This setup keeps the light-squared bishop inside the pawn chain and gives Black a very resilient, symmetrical structure.

Typical Move-Order

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6  (Slav Defense)

Common continuations include 3.Nf3, 3.Nc3 and 3.cxd5. The line 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 introduces the Alapin family of variations discussed below.

Strategic Ideas

• Sound structure: The half-open c-file and healthy pawn chain (d5-c6) give Black few weaknesses.
• Flexible development: The c8-bishop can emerge to f5, g4 or b7 depending on the variation.
• Counterplay on the queenside: …c5 or …b5 breaks are regular thematic plans.
• Minor-piece activity: Because the e-pawn is still at home, Black’s kingside knight can often jump to e4 or g4.

Historical Significance

Although games with the Slav date back to the 19th century, its reputation soared after the 1920s when elite Soviet players such as Efim Bogoljubov, Mikhail Botvinnik and later Vasily Smyslov adopted it regularly. Today it remains a mainstay from club level to top grandmaster play; for instance, it featured in Kramnik – Topalov, World Championship 2006.

Illustrative Mini-Example

A common Slav Accepted structure where Black holds the extra pawn on c4 and White prepares to regain it while seizing space in the center.

Interesting Facts

• The ECO codes D10–D19 are dedicated exclusively to Slav-related systems—testament to the opening’s richness.
• The name “Slav” stems from its frequent adoption by Eastern-European masters in the early 20th century.

Modern Alapin Variation of the Slav Defense

Definition

The Alapin Variation arises after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3. The term Modern (or 4…Bf5 line) refers to Black’s most fashionable response: 4…Bf5. This immediate bishop development distinguishes it from older treatments such as 4…dxc4.

Main Line Move-Order

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 Bf5 5.Nc3 e6 6.Bd3 Bxd3 7.Qxd3 Nbd7  – the position most textbooks use as the starting diagram.

Strategic Features

• Early bishop activity. By deploying the c8-bishop before locking it in with …e6, Black equalises development and keeps open the possibility of later …c5 breaks.
• Flexible center. Because neither side commits too early to pawn trades, the structure can transpose into Meran-style setups, Semi-Slav positions or remain a pure Slav.
• Queenside counterplay. Black often follows with …a6 and …b5, gaining space and challenging White’s c4-pawn or dark-square control.

Typical Plans for White

1. Place the queen on b3 or c2, reinforcing the c4-pawn and eyeing the d5-square.
2. Develop the light-squared bishop to d3 or e2, castle, and prepare e3-e4 under favourable circumstances.
3. Utilize the minority attack (b4-b5) if Black commits with …a6 and …b5 too quickly.

Historical & Theoretical Notes

The line is named after the Russian master Semyon Alapin (1856-1923), famed for his analytical contributions to several openings (including the Sicilian Alapin 2.c3). The “Modern” descriptor appeared in the late 1980s when players like Garry Kasparov and Ivan Sokolov began to prefer 4…Bf5 over 4…dxc4 in top-level events.

Sample Game Reference

Kasparov – Short, Dortmund 1992 featured the Modern Alapin; the future World Champion used a temporary pawn sacrifice on e4 to generate a dangerous kingside initiative.

Interactive Mini-Diagram

Steiner Variation (in the Slav Defense)

Definition

The Steiner Variation is a sharp branch of the Alapin family that starts when White challenges the Lasker (4…Bg4) line with the move 5.h3. The critical sequence is: 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 Bg4 5.h3. Named after the Austrian master Herman Steiner, White immediately asks Black’s bishop to clarify its intentions.

Main Continuations

• 5…Bxf3 6.Qxf3 – the traditional Steiner line. White gains the bishop pair; Black relies on structural solidity.
• 5…Bh5 – attempting to keep the pin, but after 6.g4 Bg6 7.Nc3 White seizes space on the kingside.
• 5…Bf5 – sometimes chosen to transpose to the Modern Alapin while sidestepping the immediate capture.

Strategic Themes

By giving up the knight-for-bishop trade (…Bxf3), Black concedes the bishop pair but eliminates a central defender, hoping the e4-square becomes hard for White to occupy. If Black retreats instead, White can launch a pawn storm (g4-g5) or central expansion (cxd5 followed by e4).

Historical Tidbits

• Herman Steiner (1905-1955) was better known for his attacking play in the King’s Indian Attack, but this prophylactic move 5.h3 forever attached his name to a Slav line!
• The variation enjoyed a renaissance after Topalov – Kramnik, Linares 1996, where Topalov’s dynamic g-pawn push forced Black into early concessions.

Illustrative Snippet

Notice how White’s bishops enjoy open diagonals while Black counts on the rock-solid Carlsbad-type structure (pawns c6-d5-e6).

Practical Tips

1. After 5.h3 Bxf3 6.Qxf3, place the queen on g3 or f4 to pressure c7 and e6.
2. If Black retreats the bishop, consider the immediate g4 advance before castling to seize space.
3. Remember that the c-file often opens; lining a rook against c7 is a common long-term plan.