Fighting the Slav Defense with the Rausis Gambit

The Slav defense is possibly among the top three choices for black against 1.d4. After the moves 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3, white not only must know the main line of the Slav with 4…dxc4 but also, but he should also be prepared against the move 4…e6, the Semi-Slav variation. The amount of theory written in these two possible choices for black is quite big and can be overwhelming for the player not interested in memorizing the principal lines.

In this article, we will discuss a different option for white, far away from the main and well known roads, the so-called Rausis Gambit. It starts after the moves:

1.d4 d5 2.c4 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Qc2

Black has a few choices now, but only 4…dxc4 can be considered critical and it will be the subject of this article. But first we’ll give you some thoughts on what to do against the rest of moves black can play. The other options are:

a) 4…e6 This is hardly problematic and gives white freedom of choice. White can continue with 5.Bg5 followed by 6.e3 etc, as in the Queen’s Gambit, or even 5.g3 is an interesting choice, taking the game into Catalan territory.

b) 4…g6 Is popular and makes sense. Black prepares to fianchetto his bishop and enables the move Bf5 at some point, developing with tempo. White should play 5.Bf4 followed by 6.e3. The biggest expert on this line was probably the late Aleksander Wojtkiewicz and you can refer to his games on this particular line.

Finally, it is worth mention that 4…Bg4 is easily met with 5.Ne5 and 4…a6 (Chebanenko) does not make much sense here since white can reply again with the typical 6.Bf4.

The Rausis Gambit

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Qc2 dxc4 5.e4!?

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This is a fairly interesting move than the more solid and principal move 5.Qxc4. Here white takes control over the center and hopes to use his somewhat easier development in order to obtain enough compensation for the material. Truth be told, this is not always achieved, so white must play with accuracy to not let his slight initiative slip away.

After 5.e4 black normally proceeds with 5…b5, otherwise white will simply capture on c4 with the bishop and reply with 6.b3!? This is where the real gambits begins, now 6…cxb3 7.axb3 and let’s have a look at the position:

For just a pawn white has:

• Control of the center

• Easier development

• Open A and C lines on the queenside. Very often white establishes a blockade on a5 or c5.

There aren’t many games on this line, but we still can find several Grand Masters playing it from time to time against various strong players.

Our first game is by Grand Master Igor Rausis himself, against the Hungarian IM Peter Varga. In this game we can see the basic ideas for white and the way to develop the pieces.

In the next game between Gharamian, T and Nezar,M we see another typical example of what white aims for when he is playing this variation. Note the importance of the capture on d5 when black plays Nd5.

The third and last game is between the strong Cuban players Lázaro Bruzon and Aryam Abreu. Here black decided to develop his kingside via g6 and Bg7. This may be as well a difficult line for white and therefore deserves attention.

Certainly this line cannot be your only weapon against the Slav, after all white is giving up a pawn and black’s position remains solid. However, it can be a weapon to consider using from time to time in order to go into less explored positions.

Note: Openings are no doubt a very important part of chess. If you want to improve your chess level, you need to have a clear study plan. If you aim for a dramatic improvement at chess you need to work on all of the elements of the game in a systematic way:

• tactics
• positional play
• attacking skills
• endgame technique
• classical games analysis
• psychological preparation
• and much more

That seems to be like a lot of things, and that is. But no worries, we have made it easy for you. Our comprehensive training course covers it all and much more. Sign up for 21 Day Training right now!

Ready to start winning games? Check out our store and articles:

• Slav Defense Exchange Variation Vol. I-II with GM Sipke Ernst

• Slav Defense with 4… a6 – GM Leonid Kritz

• Razor Sharp Lines in the Semi Slav Defense – GM Roman Dzindzichashvili

• The Slav Defense