Slav Defense — Modern Suchting Variation

Slav Defense – Modern Suchting Variation

Definition & Move-order

The Modern Suchting Variation is a branch of the Slav Defense in which White hunts down Black’s early Bf5 with the move 6.Nh4. The canonical sequence is:

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 6.Nh4

The position after 6.Nh4 is the starting point of the Suchting Variation—named after the German master Hermann Süchting (1874-1961), one of the first to employ the idea of immediately questioning the Bf5.

Strategic Themes

• Bishop-pair ambitions. By threatening 7.Nxf5, White hopes to secure the bishop pair or force Black’s light-squared bishop to retreat passively (often to c8).
• Space on the kingside. If Black allows Nxf5 gxf5, the doubled f-pawns leave him with a slightly weakened structure, offering White targets on the half-open g- and h-files.
• Central break with e4. Typical follow-up plans include e2-e4, expanding in the centre while the knight on h4 can later reroute via f3 or g2.
• Black’s counterplay. Black chooses between:
  • 6…e6 7.Nxf5 exf5 – accepting doubled pawns but keeping material equality.
  • 6…Bg6 (or 6…Bc8) – preserving the pawn structure at the cost of time and bishop activity.
  • 6…Qa5!? – an ambitious counter, hitting both c3 and a4 to distract White from the kingside.

Historical Significance

In the early 20th century the main line of the Slav centred around 5…Bf5; Süchting’s 6.Nh4 was a provocative antidote that foreshadowed modern emphasis on the bishop pair and dynamic pawn structures. Although it never became the absolute main line, it appeared sporadically in grandmaster practice and is still a useful surprise weapon. Notable champions of the idea include Bent Larsen in the 1970s and more recently players such as Shakhriyar Mamedyarov and Richard Rapport.

Typical Continuations

1. 6…Bg6 7.Nxg6 hxg6 8.e4
   White wins the bishop pair and erects a broad pawn center. Black aims for …e5 breaks or …Na6-b4 to annoy the c2-pawn.
2. 6…e6 7.Nxf5 exf5 8.e3
   Black keeps pieces active, but the pawn on f5 can become a hook for g2-g4, h2-h3 and Bd3 ideas.
3. 6…Qa5 7.Nxf5 Qxf5 8.g3
   A double-edged line in which Black delays dealing with the bishop and tries to exploit the slightly awkward knight on h4.

Illustrative Game

Larsen vs. Olafsson, Reykjavik 1975 – a textbook demonstration of the positional pressure White obtains after winning the bishop pair:

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• The move 6.Nh4 was considered “ill-mannered” in the classical era because it violates the principle of not moving the same piece twice in the opening. Süchting’s success with it helped broaden theoretical horizons.
• In some databases the variation is labelled “Modern” (for the whole 5…Bf5 complex) and “Suchting” only when 6.Nh4 is played; other sources combine the names, giving the long title used here.
• A number of engines originally undervalued 6.Nh4, preferring the solid 6.e3; with stronger hardware the move is now often a top choice thanks to the long-term advantage of the bishop pair.
• Because the knight goes to the rim, beginners sometimes remember the line with the mnemonic “Süchting sends the steed sideways.”

When to Choose the Suchting Variation

Opt for 6.Nh4 if you:

• Enjoy unbalanced pawn structures and the bishop pair.
• Prefer middlegames with latent kingside attacking chances.
• Need a surprise weapon against well-prepared Slav specialists; the lines after 6.Nh4 are far less explored than the main 6.e3 systems.

Summary

The Modern Suchting Variation is a dynamic and historically significant sideline in the Slav Defense. By challenging the premature Bf5 with 6.Nh4, White steers the game into strategically rich waters where the bishop pair, pawn structure imbalances and kingside space all play starring roles. It is an excellent addition to the repertoire of players who relish creative, off-beat solutions to mainstream openings.