Slav 4.e3 g6 - Schlechter Variation
Slav: 4.e3 g6 (Schlechter / Fianchetto Variation)
Definition
The sequence of moves 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e3 g6 constitutes a branch of the Slav Defence in which Black immediately fianchettoes the king-side bishop. It is most often catalogued under ECO code D15 and is widely referred to as the “Schlechter Variation” (after the Austrian grandmaster Carl Schlechter) or simply the “4…g6 Slav.”
How It Is Used in Chess
Players adopt 4…g6 to leave the central pawn structure fluid while developing the dark-squared bishop to g7, where it eyes the long diagonal toward d4 and beyond. The set-up blends elements of several openings:
- From the Slav it keeps the solid pawn on c6 supporting d5.
- Like a Grünfeld, it places the bishop on g7 to exert pressure on the centre.
- Should White answer with g3 and Bg2, positions may even resemble certain lines of the Catalan.
Strategic Themes
Key ideas for both sides include:
- Black’s Flexibility: By postponing …dxc4 or …e6, Black keeps a choice between a Slav-style solid centre or an eventual …e5 break.
- Centre vs. Activity: White usually expands with Nf3, Bd3, Nge2 or Nf3, Nf3, cxd5 lines, staking space; Black banks on piece activity, especially the Bg7 and a timely …c5 or …e5 punch.
- Minority Attack Potential: The typical Slav pawn structure (pawns on a, b, c-files versus Black’s a, b, c pawns) can still arise, giving White the plan b4-b5.
- King Safety: Both sides generally castle short quickly; Black’s fianchetto offers sturdy king cover but invites tactics on the h1–a8 diagonal if the light squares weaken.
Historical Notes
Carl Schlechter experimented with this fianchetto idea against Rubinstein in 1909, giving the line its traditional name. It remained a sideline for decades until the computer era, when elite grandmasters— most notably Vladimir Kramnik—revived it to sidestep heavily analysed main lines of the Slav and Grünfeld. Kramnik used the set-up successfully against Peter Leko in their 2004 World Championship match.
Typical Move Orders & Transpositions
Common continuations after 4…g6 include:
- 5.Nf3 Bg7 6.Bd3 0-0 7.0-0 dxc4 (pure Schlechter)
- 5.Nf3 Bg7 6.Qb3 0-0 7.cxd5 cxd5 (leading to an Exchange Slav structure)
- 5.Nf3 Bg7 6.Be2 0-0 7.0-0 Bf5, echoing ideas from the Accelerated Slav.
Illustrative Game
The following miniature, Kramnik’s debut with the variation at elite level, demonstrates Black’s dynamic resources despite an apparently modest structure:
Key moment: After 14…b4, Black’s queenside pawns, backed by the g7-bishop, seize the initiative and open files for a counter-attack, underlining the practical sting in the Schlechter set-up.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Carl Schlechter, namesake of the line, drew the famous 1910 World Championship match against Emanuel Lasker while reportedly refusing a bribe to win the final game and claim the title outright—characterising the sportsmanlike spirit often attributed to the line’s solid yet unassuming nature.
- In a database search of modern games (2020-2023) the move 4…g6 appears in less than 3 % of games starting with 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6, making it a practical surprise weapon.
- The early fianchetto sometimes confuses engines at lower depths; some give White a tiny edge, but as depth increases the evaluation often drifts toward equality—mirroring human experience that the position is tougher to crack than it first looks.
- Because c6 has already been played, Black’s typical Grünfeld pawn break …c5 must be prepared carefully, adding an extra layer of strategic nuance compared with the pure Grünfeld Defence.
Summary
Slav: 4.e3 g6 is an enterprising sideline that marries Slav solidity with Grünfeld-style activity. While less explored than mainstream 4…e6 or 4…Bf5 lines, it offers Black a flexible and comparatively unexplored battleground. For theory-savvy players looking to avoid the heaviest preparation and willing to understand dynamic pawn structures, the Schlechter Variation remains a compelling choice.