Slav Defense: Modern Triangle (Noteboom, Abrahams)
Slav Defense
Definition
The Slav Defense is the family of openings that starts with the moves 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6. Black supports the central pawn on d5 with the pawn on c6 instead of the more classical 2…e6 of the Queen’s Gambit Declined. It is coded in ECO as C60–C69.
Typical Move-Order
- 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 (Main lines)
- 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Nf3 dxc4 (Noteboom, see below)
- 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 (Semi-Slav when …e6 is added)
Strategic Ideas
- Solid but flexible pawn structure; Black keeps the light-squared bishop outside the pawn chain (unlike in the QGD).
- The minority attack (b2–b4–b5) and the central break e2–e4 are White’s thematic plans.
- Black often aims for …dxc4 followed by …b5, holding the extra pawn while developing.
Historical Significance
Used by world champions from Euwe and Botvinnik to Carlsen. The name stems from its popularity among masters from the former Czechoslovakia (“Slav”). Capablanca helped refine it in the 1920s when he used it to neutralise 1.d4 against leading contemporaries.
Illustrative Game
The first eight moves follow one of the sharpest Slav mainlines, later explored in
Taimanov – Botvinnik, USSR Ch 1955, a classic example of Black’s queenside pawn-majority counterplay.
Fun Facts
- Because …c6 blocks the natural square for Black’s knight, Slav specialists joke that “the knight goes on h6” – actually a well-known sideline!
- In Grandmaster circles, the pure Slav is considered evergreen; its drawing tendency in elite play coexists with razor-sharp branches that still produce decisive games at club level.
Modern Triangle (Triangle System)
Definition
The Modern Triangle is a Queen’s Gambit family where Black arranges pawns on c6, d5, and e6, forming a solid triangle in the centre. A typical move-order is 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 c6. From this set-up Black can steer into the Marshall Gambit, the Noteboom, or a Semi-Slav.
Why It’s Played
- Combines ideas of the Slav (…c6) and the QGD (…e6).
- Allows Black to choose, after White’s 4th move, between holding the centre solidly or grabbing the c4-pawn (Noteboom).
- Move-order tricks: White players who avoid the Semi-Slav by playing 3.Nf3 instead of 3.Nc3 may be surprised by an early …dxc4.
Main Branches out of the Triangle
- Marshall Gambit: 4.e4!? dxe4 5.Nxe4 Bb4+. Sharp sacrifice line explored by Frank Marshall in the 1920s.
- Noteboom Variation: 4.Nf3 dxc4 5.a4 b5 (see next section).
- Semi-Slav: 4.e3 Nf6 5.Nf3 Nbd7 – classical, solid.
Historical Tidbit
The triangle was popularised by Russian masters just before World War I, but it took off in the computer era when engines proved Black’s structure was tougher to crack than once thought.
Noteboom Variation (Slav)
Definition
The Noteboom, also called the Abrahams–Noteboom, arises after
1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. a4 b5. Black clings to the extra c4-pawn with …b5, accepting queenside weaknesses for dynamic play.
Strategic Landscape
- Black’s pawn chain c6–b5–c4 controls dark squares but is vulnerable to breaks like axb5, Ne5, or e4.
- White often gains a lead in development and targets c6 or a6 with the minor pieces.
- If Black survives the middlegame pressure, the passed c-pawn can be decisive in the endgame.
Critical Continuations
- 6.axb5 cxb5 7.Nxb5 e6 – simplest try, aiming at …Bb4+.
- 6.e4 b4 7.e5! – the sharp Abrahams line (see next section).
- 6.Bg5 b4 7.Ne4 Nxe4 8.Bxd8 – forcing liquidation into an imbalanced middlegame.
Historical Note
Named for Daniël Noteboom, a Dutch prodigy who died at only 21 (1932). Despite his short life, his analysis of this variation impressed peers and remains topical.
Model Game
The game Short – Van Wely, Wijk aan Zee 2002, followed this line; White’s initiative looked scary, yet Van Wely’s resilient defence illustrated Black’s practical chances.
Did You Know?
- Because engines sometimes over-value the protected passed pawn on c4, correspondence players frequently choose the Noteboom to test cloud-engine preparation.
- The line is rare at top level but remains a lethal surprise weapon in open tournaments.
Abrahams Variation (vs. the Dutch Defense)
Definition
The Abrahams Variation is the anti-Dutch line
1. d4 f5 2. h3. White’s modest pawn move prevents …Bg4 pinning the knight and signals an intention to expand on the kingside with g4 or e4.
Origin of the Name
Gerald Abrahams (1907-1980), British master and author of The Chess Mind, introduced 2.h3 in the 1930s, scoring several scalps against Dutch specialists.
Strategic Points
- Flexibility: White can transpose into the Trompowsky (after 3.Bg5) or Leningrad-style set-ups with g4.
- Prophylactic: Halts …Bg4, giving Nf3 stable support for a later e2–e4 break.
- Psychological: The quiet 2.h3 can lure Dutch players into over-expanding.
Main Plans for White
- 3.g4! – immediate kingside space-grab (Abrahams Gambit).
- 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g4 – delayed version, safer versus …c5.
- 3.Bg5 – Trompowsky-style pin without allowing …Bg4 in return.
Example Sequence
White seizes space on the kingside; Black must decide whether to hit back in the centre with …c5 or prepare …e5.
Anecdotes
- Abrahams once quipped that 2.h3 is “as rude as knocking the opponent’s hat off before the game begins,” reflecting its provocative character.
- GM Simon Williams (“Ginger GM”) popularised the line anew in online blitz, showcasing wild attacking wins.