The Sharp Semi-Slav Defense

One of the most popular options nowadays against 1.d4 is the so called Semi Slav Defense. It is a complex opening in which black is able to fight for the initiative without taking any major positional risks. The Semi Slav was one of Kasparov’s most dangerous weapons when he was in his prime, but many other attacking players like Shirov, Dreev, Topalov have also played it with success.

Vishy Anand has been another great contributor to the theory and development of this variation and he still employs it quite often nowadays.

In order to play the Semi Slav with black you should have a taste for complex positions and a good sense for the initiative. Before you start studying it, you must also be aware that you need to learn a few minor lines that white can get into before you actually play the Semi Slav. For example:

White’s possible deviations

• 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.cxd5 – Exchange variation

• 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 – Extremely popular system nowadays.

• 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Qc2 – The Wojo’ variation

And, after you enter the semi Slav, there is another bunch of minor lines that white can get into as well. For example, after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 e6 white can choose from

• 5.Bg5 which normally leads to the Moscow or Botvinnik variations, or black can choose the Cambridge Springs line;

• 5.g3!? A rather modern approach, Catalan style;

• 5.cxd5 which has a reputation of being harmless for black. Nevertheless, it should be learned.

This means that the Semi Slav needs a considerable amount of time to learn and a lot of practice to master it, but it is totally worth it if you like dynamic play.

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Now, the main move and what most people play is 4.e3 and after 4…Nbd7 white can choose between two continuations: the super sharp 5.Bd3 and the more restrained 5.Qc2. Both moves have ideas in common (to play e3-e4 for example), but the move order here is quite relevant. 5.Bd3 can lead to extreme sharp play for both sides.

In this article we’ll show you three amazing games that will make you want to start studying the insights of the Meran line.

We will start with the Meran Variation which arises after the moves:

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 e6 4.e3 Nbd7 5.Bd3

The alternative to 5.Bd3 is 5.Qc2, well known as the Anti-Meran variation which will be subject for another article.

Our first example was played in 1996 between Kasparov with the white pieces against Vladimir Kramnik in the Dos Hermanas Tournament. The complications that arose in this game are truly fantastic. Kramnik played beautiful attacking chess and set problems to Kasparov, who was unable to solve them. The game is a clear example of how to play for the initiative from an early stage in the game.

The next example was played in 2008 in the match between Kramnik and Anand for the world crown. The Indian World Champion introduced a novelty that gave black quite active play along the open G file. Kramnik defended well, but one big mistake cost him the game.

Our third and final example is a less known game, but no less spectacular – Grandmaster Hjartarson as white against the legend from Armenia Vladimir Akopian. The game shows a spectacular queen sacrifice for two pieces, but black’s position was still stronger than white’s despite the missing powerful piece. See the details here:

We have tried to show you a general idea of what’s behind the Semi Slav Defense and why it is so popular among the strong players. A defense that is both positionally correct, without conceding much to white, and still quite active and with chances of counterplay.

From the games shown above you can not only start learning the theory, but also learn how dynamic chess works, how you can ignore threats by creating stronger threats and defend by counterattacking.

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!