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Win VS The Queen's Gambit With This Opening
Published 2 months ago • 3 min read
Win VS The Queen's Gambit With The Slav Defense
To complete our array of 'royal gambit' openings from the past few weeks, I said I'd cover the Slav Defense.
So today, we'll look into this popular response to the Queen's Gambit and how you can use it to dominate your opponent when they play the inevitable 2. c4.
Before we do, though, a couple of quick announcements...
For everyone who bought the Ultimate Bundle (or is planning to), I have now completely finished all of the opening guides. All 150+ opening cheat sheets are now finally done and ready for use. Took me over a month of dedicated focus, but I'm glad they're finally done!
You would have received a personal email, but this is a catch-all.
Second, I've also released a bunch of 'micro bundles'. These are smaller, more-focused bundles of cheat sheets tailored to certain preferences, e.g. aggressive openings, defensive openings, etc.
These aren't as cost-effective as the Ultimate Bundle above, but are certainly better than getting individual cheat sheets - plus, all the decision work is done for you!
They're made with those people who mind who can't quite afford the big bundle but still want to invest in their chess gameplay. Check out all our bundles here:
This variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined is an opening in its own right, offering a reliable way to get into familiar board positions after your opponent plays c4.
Named after the Slavic countries where it gained popularity in the early 20th century, the Slav Defense has been used by multiple World Champions, including Anatoly Karpov and Vladimir Kramnik.
The core idea is to support the d5 pawn without blocking in the light-squared bishop, creating more active play for Black. This has a few other advantages, too:
♟️ Maintains a solid pawn structure ♟️Contests the center effectively ♟️Provides flexibility for multiple development plans
Let's take a look at some primary variations.
Main Line 3. Nc3
Popularity: 54%
White Wins: 51%
Black Wins: 45%
The most played move after the Slav Defense begins is Nc3, happening in over half of games played.
This move adds an attacking piece to the d5 square, which is most commonly supported by Nf6.
In the below variations, we're either supporting that d5 pawn from an attack, or preparing for an attack of our own using our free-to-move light-squared Bishop.
If White plays 3. Nf6 instead of Nc3 (18% of games), the below responses from Black are the same.
3...Nf6
Popularity: 57%
White Wins: 45%
Black Wins: 50%
Common continuations: Nf3, Bg5, e3
3...e6
Popularity: 18%
White Wins: 44%
Black Wins: 52%
Common continuations: Nf3, cxd5, e3
3...Bf5
Popularity: 11%
White Wins: 44%
Black Wins: 52%
Common continuations: Nf3, cxd5, Bf4
Exchange Variation 3. cxd5 cxd5
Popularity: 13%
White Wins: 51%
Black Wins: 44%
If White doesn't move a Knight, the most likely other move would be exchanging pawns on d5.
This variation relieves tension in the center and gives Black some equallity from the symmetry.
After exchanging, no side has a clear advantage, giving the game a more tactical and strategic feel.
Common continuations after exchanging are Nc3 (66%), Nf3 (15%) and Bf4 (10%).
Pros/Cons of the Slav Defense
Thinking about whether this opening is good for you? Here are a few pros and cons to the Slav Defense.
Pros
Creates a solid pawn structure
Flexible development options
Free movement of the Bishop
Lots of existing theory
Cons
Gives up central control
Highish chance of drawing
Requires precise movement
Needs theory knowledge
Why play this opening?
The Slav Defense is a sound and flexible response to the Queen's Gambit. It's a nice blend of solid positions and dynamic counterplay, which makes it suitable for players of all styles and skill levels.
So, the next time you encounter the Queen's Gambit, give it a try - maybe you've finally found a reliable, effective response!
(But nothing can beat my favourite move Nf6 😉)
Want help mastering the Slav Defense opening?
Never flounder your response to the Queen's Gambit again when you've mastered the Slav Defense!
This 20-page guide contains everything you need to master it once and for all. Take your opening to the next level by clicking the button below.
Or if you want even more value, I've just released a new d4 openings bundle that includes both the Queen's Gambit and the Slav Defense. It's a high-value, low-cost bundle to master the most popular openings after d4.
This week's email was slightly different, with a few changes to the variations and a new pros/cons section. I think it works a bit better as an overview, but doesn't go into as much detail.
Hit reply to let me know what you thought.
I'll be back next Tuesday with another chess opening... Until then, keep climbing!
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