Slav Defense, Modern Defense, and Two Knights Attack
Slav Defense
Definition
The Slav Defense is a solid and highly respected reply to the Queen’s Gambit that begins with the moves 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6. By supporting the d5-pawn with the c-pawn instead of the e-pawn (as in the Queen’s Gambit Declined), Black keeps the light-squared bishop inside the pawn chain and aims for reliable, flexible development.
Typical Move Order
The classic main line continues 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. a4 Bf5 (or 5… e6). Many move-order subtleties exist, such as:
- The Semi-Slav (…e6 combined with …c6) after 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 e6.
- The Chebanenko (…a6) line: 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 a6.
- The Slav Exchange: 3. cxd5 cxd5, leading to symmetrical pawn structures.
Example starter:
.Strategic Ideas
- Pawn Structure: After …dxc4 Black often holds the extra pawn briefly while White tries to recover it with e3 or a4, gaining a tempo for development.
- Light-Squared Bishop Freedom: One of the Slav’s key attractions is that Black’s c8-bishop is not trapped behind the pawn chain and can be developed to f5 or g4 early.
- Solid Center: The move …c6 keeps the center compact, making it hard for White to create immediate tactical fireworks.
Historical Significance
Named after Czech and Slovak masters in the early 20th century (“Slav” being shorthand for Slavic players), the defense gained universal acceptance when World Champions such as Botvinnik, Smyslov, and later Kramnik employed it regularly. In the 2000 World Championship match, Kramnik used the Slav to neutralize Kasparov’s 1. d4 with great success.
Illustrative Game
Kramnik – Kasparov, World Championship (London) 2000, Game 2
Main line with 4…dxc4 led to an endgame where Kramnik’s precise play dampened Kasparov’s initiative and the game was drawn, setting the tone for the match.
Interesting Facts
- The Slav is one of few openings considered sound from club level to super-GM play; databases show Black scoring near 50%.
- Computers love its structural integrity: in engine vs. engine championships, the Slav is a staple of Black’s repertoire.
- Many grandmasters adopt it specifically to avoid the heavily analyzed Marshall Gambit and Queen’s Gambit Declined lines.
Modern Defense
Definition
The Modern Defense (also called the Robatsch Defense) is a hypermodern opening in which Black allows White to occupy the center with pawns and then attacks that center from a distance. The hallmark moves are 1. e4 g6 (or 1. d4 g6), followed by …Bg7 and …d6, without an early …Nf6.
Typical Move Order
- 1. e4 g6
- 2. d4 Bg7
- 3. Nc3 d6
- 4. f4 (the Austrian Attack) c6 / 4… Nf6, etc.
Because …Nf6 is often delayed, Black can flexibly choose setups, sometimes transposing to the Pirc Defense (…Nf6) or the King’s Indian (against 1. d4).
Strategic Ideas
- Hypermodern Center Control: Black relies on piece pressure (…c5, …e5, …f5) rather than direct occupation.
- Flexible Pawn Breaks: Key ruptures are …c5 against a d4-center and …e5 or …f5 versus an e4-center.
- King Safety: Early kingside fianchetto ensures a safe haven even while the center becomes fluid.
Historical Notes
Austrian GM Karl Robatsch championed the line in the 1950s–60s, but its conceptual roots trace back to hypermodern pioneers like Nimzowitsch and Réti. Modern stars such as Richard Rapport and Alexander Grischuk still drop it occasionally as a surprise weapon.
Illustrative Game
Fischer – Robatsch, Buenos Aires 1960
Fischer’s 4. f4 Austrian Attack met Robatsch’s adventurous …c5 break. The game showcased the dynamic imbalance: White’s giant pawn center vs. Black’s counterplay on light squares.
Interesting Facts
- The Modern is one of the few mainstream openings where Black can reach move six with all pieces still on the back rank except the bishop on g7.
- In blitz and rapid, its flexible nature often drags opponents out of preparation.
- Engines evaluate the opening as sound but demanding; precise timing of pawn breaks is critical.
Two Knights Attack
Definition
The Two Knights Attack (also called the Fried Liver Attack when followed by 5. Nxf7) is an aggressive line of the Italian Game arising after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Ng5. White’s knight sortie targets the vulnerable f7-square, immediately challenging Black’s setup.
Typical Continuations
After 4. Ng5:
- Main line: 4… d5 5. exd5 Na5 6. Bb5+ c6 7. dxc6 bxc6, leading to wild complications.
- Fried Liver: 4… d5 5. exd5 Nxd5? 6. Nxf7! Kxf7 7. Qf3+, an infamous tactical trap unsafe for Black.
- Traxler Counter-Attack: Black sidesteps with 4… Bc5!? inviting razor-sharp play.
Example:
.Strategic Themes
- King-side Assault: White sacrifices time (and sometimes material) to rip open f7 and expose Black’s king.
- Piece Activity: Knights and bishops surge into Black’s position; if Black survives, the extra material or two bishops can favor Black in the long run.
- Critical Defense: Modern theory recommends 5… Na5 or 5… Nd4 instead of capturing on d5 to avoid the dreaded Fried Liver.
Historical Significance
The line dates back to 19th-century Romantic chess. Italian master Giulo Cesare Polerio analyzed its traps as early as the 1600s. Later, players like Paul Morphy used it to dazzling effect, keeping it alive in club play to this day.
Famous Example
Adams – Torre, New Orleans 1920
A textbook Fried Liver where White’s swift attack forced resignation before move 25, illustrating the peril of 5… Nxd5?.
Interesting Facts
- Many scholastic coaches teach the Two Knights Attack to demonstrate the power—and danger—of early piece aggression.
- Current engines rate the Fried Liver as objectively winning for White after 5… Nxd5? 6. Nxf7, yet club players still fall victim routinely.
- The line inspired the phrase “Don’t get fried!” among beginners who learn to avoid the Nxd5 blunder.