I'll join, but when will this happen?
Semi-Slav: Botvinnik Variation--Study Group
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So long as enough players are interested, the group will probably be created on January 31, 2012.
What a fantastic game. I've abandoned 1d4 because I hate facing Nimzo/QID... this opening looks interesting from both sides though!
Yep, it's a very interesting line...
I think that the main problem is the following:
it takes a :lot: of time to become really proficient with it - and in club games (or below master level tournaments) you won't really get the chance to use all the learned theory/variations, since players most likely won't go into it...
As the time goes by, you would certainly start forgetting lines, so it would take some time and energy to keep memorizing lines you don't essentially use so often.
But yep, I'd sure like to participate, even if only partially :) (for the sake of curiosity)
Actually this is less than half of the theory on the Semi-Slav one has to absorb. There is also the Meran, and the Meran branches, which also have loads of theory, and many pitfalls black should avoid.
I certainly prefer playing (with both colors) variations where one is on his own well before move 30... 
pfren wrote:
Actually this is less than half of the theory on the Semi-Slav one has to absorb. There is also the Meran, and the Meran branches, which also have loads of theory, and many pitfalls black should avoid.
I certainly prefer playing (with both colors) variations where one is on his own well before move 30...
Everyone does, LOL
Ow, my head hurts. Of course I'll join! It could help me improve!
Count me in on this one too. I used my Christmas gift card for Barnes and Noble's to buy Play the Semi-Slav by David Vigorito.
How fortuitous!
OK, while I am fine for organization, we need a high-rated player to lead this group. Any volunteers/suggestions?
Yes I would like to join this group. Should be fun.
I'd love to join
I'll see if I can get us an FM to go along with any other higher rated players that are interested.
I just joined an inactive caro kann group at
http://www.chess.com/groups/home/the-caro-kann-team
and there is an FM there wanting to go over Schandorff's GM Rep book.
This group is now part of the Opening Study Group system.
http://www.chess.com/forum/view/chess-openings/opening-study-groups
Jan 2, 2012
0
#16
Have u not formed a group through chess.com? Other than saying lets study the opening. I have not received an invitation to join this group
The opening study system is currently being created.
The Opening Study Group has been created! Click here to join!
I don't play the Botvinnik. Too much theory and too sharp. I can see that it is very exciting though. Maybe I learn it in the future...
The Meran also has a lot of theory, but much of it is thematic - i.e. you can play on general principles and won't lose immediately if you forgot the exact move order.
Semi-Slav: Botvinnik Variation--Study Group:
Greetings, I'm here to propose a study group for one of the most confusing openings in chess: the Botvinnik variation of the Semi-Slav. Generally, a lot of people avoid this opening because it is extremely confusing and takes lots of memorization and understanding of the position. However, when played correctly, this is a dangerous opening that can lead to interesting positions.
To explain my points, I will offer two sample games played by master-level players.
In this game, white sacrificed a queen in the middlegame with no immediate compensation. Nevertheless, that is the main line! In this opening, material is very unimportant. The positions are sharp as knives, and you must know your way around.
In the next game, it is shown that black still has many threats in the opening.
Did you happen to notice all the hanging pieces in that game? It just makes you think that this opening must be a bit crazy, even if top GMs play it.
For these reasons, I feel it would be helpful for us to have a group where we could study this opening. The variations are endless, and people can join to learn with both white and black. Together, we can learn traps, study games, and even play a tournament.
This group will be a part of the Opening Study Group system, whose main forum can be viewed here.
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-chessisgood
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-IM pfren
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