Opening course · D10 to D19
Learn the Slav Defence
The Slav Defence starts with 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 Bf5. Hold d5 with …c6 and keep your light-squared bishop free.
- You play Black
- For club players
- Rated about 1000 to 2800
What you will learn
- 1 The idea 3 steps
- 2 Main line 18 steps
- 3 Key variations 4 steps
- 4 Traps 3 steps
- 5 Plans and middlegames 4 steps
- 6 Test yourself 10 steps
Key ideas
- …c6 guards d5 and keeps the c8 bishop free.
- Take on c4 after Nc3, then …Bf5 before …e6.
- Don’t hold c4 with …b5 once a4 is played.
- Keep the b4 bishop unless taking on c3 wins something.
Traps you will see
- Holding c4 with …b5 Set by White
- The poisoned e-pawn Set by White
- The loose bishop on b4 Set by White
Model games
- Miguel Najdorf Tigran Petrosian Palma de Mallorca · 1969
- Konstantin Sakaev Garry Kasparov European Club Cup · 2003
Questions
Is the Slav Defence good for beginners?
It suits club players from about 1000 to 2800. Beginners can follow the course, but some lines need care.
What are the first moves of the Slav Defence?
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 Bf5.
How long is the course?
6 chapters with 42 steps, each played out on the board with your coach.
Which traps does the course cover?
- Holding c4 with …b5
- The poisoned e-pawn
- The loose bishop on b4