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Friday, May 14, 2010

Slav and Semi-Slav : Lesson 4 - Black's 5th Move Alternatives - Bronstein (Steiner) & Smyslov Variations

Friday, May 14, 2010 Blogurway

Black's Fifth Move Alternatives

Introduction

With 5...Bg4 or 5...Na6 Black seeks to create slightly different problems for White than those encountered in the 5...Bf5 lines. Although these fifth move alternatives have again dropped out of favour, they do give Black an interesting game. Nevertheless, against best play they probably fail to equalize.

Bronstein (Steiner) Variation: 5...Bg4

Slav-and-Semi-Slav/Bronstein (Steiner) Variation.pgn

Strategies

Black hopes to disrupt his opponent with ...d5xc4 and the annoying pin, but must stay flexible to react accordingly to White's choice of plan. White must quickly decide how to nullify Black's light-squared bishop in order to obtain a grip on the centre.

Theoretical?

There are a few sharp lines that need good theoretical knowledge, but these are fairly well established. As there haven't been many recent developments, once knows the basic theory there isn't much need to update it very often.

Statistics

In 1341 games Black has managed 43% which is on a par with 5...Bf5 or 5...Na6. After a period of popularity in the 80's and 90's the line has dropped out of fashion. White's most successful line has been 6. Ne5 Bh5 7. h3 which scores as high as 62%.

Illustrative Games:

V.Kramnik-B.Damljanovic, Moscow Olympiad 1994

Slav-and-Semi-Slav/Kramnik-Damljanovic.pgn

A.Shirov-P.Nikolic, Manila Interzonal 1990

Slav-and-Semi-Slav/Shirov-Nikolic.pgn

J.Levitt-G.Flear, British Championship, Plymouth 1989

Slav-and-Semi-Slav/Levitt-Flear.pgn

Smyslov Variation: 5...Na6

Smyslov's 5...Na6 is not particularly ambitious. Black avoids any immediate conflict and heads for the b4-outpost. He just develops his pieces sensibly, although this does allow his opponent to construct a useful-looking pawn front with central pawns on d4 and e4. Black then hopes to chip away at the centre with ...Bg4 and ...c6-c5.

Slav-and-Semi-Slav/Smyslov Variation.pgn

Strategies

Black may wish to double White's pawns and use the b4-square, but these are not enough. At some point he'll need to hit back with ...c6-c5 or ...e6-e5 to stop White taking control.

White will look for ways to find chinks in Black's armour, for instance by advancing pawns to get open diagonals for his bishops.

Theoretical?

Not really; it's possible to play this way without any major problems to get developed. However, White can also develop fairly naturally without knowing reams of theory and still keep a pull due to his space and central edge. Bear in mind, however, that in practice it's not easy to turn the central space edge into anything more concrete.

Statistics

Black made 42%, which is slightly less than average. Relatively speaking, 5...Na6 was at its most popular in the 1960's and has declined ever since.

Illustrative Games:

L.Van Wely-D.De Vreugt, Dutch Championship, Rotterdam 2000

Slav-and-Semi-Slav/VanWely-DeVreugt.pgn

Z.Varga-L.Portisch, Hungarian Championship, Heviz 2003

Slav-and-Semi-Slav/Varga-Portisch.pgn

Summary

Black's alternatives to 5...Bf5 have surprise value but are not good enough to equalize.

Bronstein's 5...Bg4 creates tension, about which White needs to make a difficult decision. The unprepared can easily go astray but, unfortunately for Black, the main line after 7 . f3 has been worked out to an ending virtually by force where White keeps a small but persistent edge.

Smyslov's 5...Na6 is perhaps more solid but allows White an easy time in constructing his centre. Black is well dug in and White may have difficulty using his space advantage if Black seeks timely counterplay with ...c6-c5 or ...e6-e5.

That's it for now. In the next lesson we will discuss some Gambit Lines in The Slav. Stay tuned and Enjoy!

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Slav and Semi-Slav : Lesson 3 - Main Line Slav Part 2 - The Central Variation

Thursday, May 13, 2010 Blogurway

In this lesson we will discuss The Central Variation in Main Line Slav and summarize a few facts regarding the Main Line Slav. So let's start.

The Central Variation is characterized by White's 6th move 6. Ne5 to which Black can reply either with 6...e6 or 6...Nbd7.

The Central Variation: 6 Ne5 e6

Slav-and-Semi-Slav/Ne5 e6.pgn

Strategy

The story so far: White builds the centre and Black has to avoid giving too much ground, so he sacrifices a piece for three pawns.

After the early tactical flurry things settle down to a period where White probes away at the pawn front with his extra piece, whilst Black hopes to keep formation and eventually advance further up the board.

Theoretical?

This has been the ‘starting point’ for numerous games and the theory goes quite deep into the game.

Statistics

Black hasn't done that well with the piece sacrifice line, only managing 37%. Nevertheless 6...e6 has remained more popular than 6...Nbd7.

Illustrative Games

G.Vescovi-B.Gelfand, Bermuda 2004

Slav-and-Semi-Slav/Vescovi-Gelfand.pgn

D.Rogozenko-A.Murariu, Bucharest 2002

Slav-and-Semi-Slav/Rogozenko-Murariu.pgn

The Central Variation: 6 Ne5 Nbd7

Slav-and-Semi-Slav/Ne5 Nbd7.pgn

Strategy

As Black reacts quickly with ...e6-e5 the centre opens up and active piece play comes to the fore. Black has then to continue in a positive frame of mind, as if he is too hesitant he will be worse, so he needs to react aggressively, even riskily.

Theoretical?

Basically, yes. Black has to have some theoretical knowledge otherwise he'll probably just end up with a passive game.

Statistics

Statistically it seems that 6...Nbd7 is Black's most promising choice in the Central Variation obtaining 40% (compared to the 37% achieved by 6...e6).

Morozevich's contributions score even better: 11...g5 manages 42%, and 11...f6 12 0-0 Nc5 as much as 45%.

Illustrative Games

M.Euwe-A.Alekhine, World Championship (1st matchgame), Netherlands 1937

Slav-and-Semi-Slav/Euwe-Alekhine.pgn

D.Rogozenko-J.Hector, Hamburg 2001

Slav-and-Semi-Slav/Rogozenko-Hector.pgn

J.Piket-L.Van Wely, Dutch League 2002

Slav-and-Semi-Slav/Piket-VanWely.pgn

Summary

The main line of the Slav with 5...Bf5 is very rich in possibilities for both sides.

The 6 e3 variation is largely positional with Black being well placed to cope with White's inevitable expansion. Despite extensive practical tests many of the key lines are considered to be strategically unclear.

The 6 Ne5 e6 variation leads to the unbalanced material situation of a piece for three pawns. Theory considers Black to be just about OK, but I have a personal preference for White. Instead 6...Nbd7 has been revived by Morozevich in recent years and I consider Black to be fine if he knows his stuff.

That's it for now. In the next lesson we will discuss some of Black's 5th move alternatives. Stay tuned and Enjoy!

Slav and Semi-Slav : Lesson 2 - Main Line Slav Part 1 - Dutch Variation

Wednesday, May 12, 2010 Blogurway

The Main Line Slav: 5 a4 Bf5

In the Slav Black aims to develop his queen’s bishop early and in most lines he will do so as soon as possible. However, there are limits since if he were to play the immediate 4...Bf5?!, then 5 cxd5 cxd5 6 Qb3 would put pressure on the light squares, such as b7 and d5. The alternative recapture 5...Nxd5 leads to other problems, as 6 Nd2!? followed by e2-e4 gives White a fine center. So if Black really would like to develop his bishop, he has to find better circumstances.

The standard method is to do so in an indirect way. First of all he captures the c4-pawn that is en prise for the time being. If White takes the necessary steps to recapture this pawn, then Black obtains enough time to get his bishop out and about. The position in the first diagram below is the subject of Main Line Slav and, statistically speaking, the most significant line in these lessons.

White has two principal ways of reacting:

1. 6. e3 with Bxc4 to follow, which is sometimes called the Dutch Variation;

2. 6. Ne5 with two ideas in mind Nxc4 and f2-f3 followed by e2-e4, known as the Central Variation.

The Dutch Variation

Slav-and-Semi-Slav/Main Line Slav Dutch Var 1.pgn

Strategies

At some point White will have to decide how and when to advance in the centre. In the main line White follows up his e3-e4 advance with e4-e5 obtaining a wedge which lends itself to pressing on the kingside. Black's plan depends on how White resolves the central tension, but he'll need to keep White occupied in the centre before the first player gets an attack.

Theoretical?

Even though it's been played umpteen times, most of the variations can be handled with general principles. A few of the sharper lines will require delving a little deeper into theory, especially the gambit line in Ivanchuk-Lautier(See in the Illustrated Games below).

Statistics

This is the most popular line in these lessons, and so referring to it as ‘The Main Line Slav’ seems appropriate. Top players such as Anand, Bareev, Shirov, Kramnik, Morozevich and, in his time, Smyslov tend to score about 50%. However, overall Black only manages a disappointing 42%.

Of White's options, 6. e3 scores an average 56%.

Illustrative Games

V.Ivanchuk-J.Lautier, Linares 1994

Slav-and-Semi-Slav/Ivanchuk-Lautier.pgn

C.Gabriel-V.Akopian, Germany vs. Armenia match, Baden Baden 1996

Slav-and-Semi-Slav/Gabriel-Akopian.pgn

R.Hübner-D.Mastrovasilis, Germany vs. Greece match, Corfu 1999

Slav-and-Semi-Slav/Huebner-Mastrovasilis.pgn

White plays his knight to h4

Instead of primarily advancing with e3-e4 White decides to harass the light-squared bishop. He is still interested in expanding in the centre, but he may take the bishop along the way. While White is temporarily distracted, Black's strategy is to find a satisfactory way of ceding the bishop pair, to dig in and then be good and ready for any line opening by White.

Slav-and-Semi-Slav/White plays knight to h4.pgn

Strategies

At all times the move Nf3-h4 has the same attitude in mind: hit the bishop and punish him for daring to poke his nose out so early! In any case Black can leave the bishop in place and isn't too concerned about ceding the bishop pair. By completing development and using his pawn on f5 and knight on f6 to keep an eye on the e4-square, he keeps White's desired expansion in check.

Apart from ...c6-c5 Black also conducts a provocative/restraining approach almost daring White to open up the game for his bishops. Open positions may favor bishops in general, but White can't expand in the center without careful reflection as Black's pieces are well placed to pounce on weaknesses.

Theoretical?

General principles are still the most important despite the popularity of the Nh4 idea.

Statistics

The position after ten moves for both sides scores a respectable 47% for Black. Against 6. Nh4 (against which Black has achieved only 36%) Black should aim for transposition with 6...e6 followed by ...Bb4, as experimental play has cost him dear in the past.

Illustrative Game

J.Lautier-E.Bareev, Enghien les Bains 2003

Slav-and-Semi-Slav/Lautier-Bareev.pgn

That's it for today. In the next lesson we will discuss the Central Variation in the Main Line Slav. Stay tuned and Enjoy!

Slav and Semi-Slav : Lesson 1 - Introduction

Wednesday, May 12, 2010 Blogurway

Introduction

This series of lessons lays the groundwork for those interested in trying out the Slav or Semi-Slav in some form or other. So those positions arising after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 are examined with the inexperienced in mind. By inexperienced I mean either those fairly new to chess who are looking for an opening against 1. d4, or for stronger players tempted to try out the Slav (or Semi-Slav).

Defending the d-pawn

At first, more modest players should not try to learn too much theory until they have understood the basic ideas. Indeed, even stronger players who are thinking of switching openings should give a priority to first sorting out their aims for development and early middlegame plans.

Throughout these lessons the games are mainly illustrative and give only a brief look at theory. The lessons discuss all the principal systems and their strategies, but cannot go too deeply into specific variations. Think of the lessons as the first step in the exciting world of Slav/Semi-Slav adventures. If you become an aficionado then more advanced material will be necessary down the line.

What are the Slav and Semi-Slav?

The Slav Defence and the Semi-Slav Defence are often considered to be two distinct openings. They have their own unique personalities but have much in common, almost like two brothers.

In both cases we are really looking at developments from the following two diagrams:

Developing the c8-bishop

The bishop stays at home

By playing 2...c6 (rather than 2...e6) Black retains the option of developing his queen’s bishop along the c8-h3 diagonal.

The Slav can be thought of as those variations where Black delays playing ...e7-e6, usually because he will try and bring his bishop out early, even if it means delaying kingside development or at some point having to relinquish some central control with ...d5xc4.

In the Semi-Slav Black plays an early ...e7-e6 before bringing out the light-squared bishop. He has other priorities. The problem piece (as Black’s queen’s bishop is often called in queen’s pawn openings) will be dealt with later, possibly coming to b7 after the b-pawn has moved out of the way.

Who plays the Slav and Semi-Slav?

Just about all the top players in the world play these openings, many with both colours. Some prefer the Slav, others stick to the Semi-Slav, but it’s hard to name anyone who hasn’t tried at least one of them out at some time in their career!

Although there are earlier references these openings started to be played with some frequency in the 1920’s and 30’s, in order to obtain a more dynamic game than the main d-pawn opening of the epoch, the Queen’s Gambit Declined. Their popularity has grown ever since and the recent exponential growth in the Slav with ...a7-a6 suggests that these openings will continue to fascinate the chess world.

There are other defenses to choose from after 1. d4, but many top players keep the Slav/Semi-Slav complex firmly in their repertoires. Why is this?

Why play the Slav and Semi-Slav?

The fact that 1...d5 and 2...c6 together build a solid foundation, appeals to many a classically-minded player who prefers to have a sturdy foothold in the central arena from the word go. The thinking goes that as Black, if you have a fair share of the centre, not only will you be able to develop, but you can look forward to the middlegame with confidence.

It’s not just solidity that Black is seeking, as the threat of playing ...d5xc4 (sometimes grabbing a pawn) or modifying the central pawn structure in other ways keeps White on his toes.

Experienced players know that the Slav and Semi-Slav give the potential to seek active piece play without making early concessions.

Statistics, Damn Lies and Statistics

After 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3, the three principal moves are:

1) 4...dxc4, the Main Line Slav;

2) 4...a6, the Chameleon Slav;

3) 4...e6, the Semi-Slav.

Choose your system for Black

As a bit of fun I have compared some statistics:

In the main lines of the Slav (4...dxc4 5 a4 Bf5) Black scores 42%.

Black scores 44% with 4...a6.

After 4...e6, the two principal variations are the Botvinnik and the Meran; in both of these Black scores 46%.

So the stats give a slight preference to the Semi-Slav.

The statistics at the end of each significant variation are only pointers, so don’t make the mistake of taking them too seriously, but they do help in building an overall picture.

So now it’s time to go through the lessons and decide which one you prefer!