Slav Defense Counter

In my recent days, I discovered that the Slav is actually the master defense to the Queen's Gambit, which does not lose anything. I previously had a hard time breaking this defense and failed to win over and over again due to Black's careful positioning and White having a hanging pawn on c4. So, why is it not considered good, in the objective sense?

It all came down to this opening that I recently discovered that actually turned out to be a hard to counter counter to the counter to the Slav. Even though you may think "Well, who even plays your openings anyways?" the answer is Grandmasters. Caruana plays this, so why don't I also learn from Caruana?

Out of the blue, White plays e3, the shocking move that I consider to actually be sound. It is in fact an opening even Grandmasters play, and I have been playing this line against the Slav to gain the advantage. The plan is to play b3, and then attack by placing the bishop on a3. White will then attack on 

As similar to before, both sides develop, leading to a position slightly better for White. You might be wondering why bishop to b4 and the to e7, but it was meant so White could obstruct the protection of d4 and prevent b3 and a4 to develop the dark-squared burdened bishop. Black tries to seize a tempo using the dxc4 motif after White develops his bishop to make it move twice. This has transposed into the Triangle Variation, but otherwise would have been hard to get.

Black then hits with c5 to gain a tempo and White then finally pushes up the pawn to launch an attack. Notice Black's light squared bishop being locked in. White then lines up the rook which causes Black to forcibly move his queen to a worse square, leading to hard times. If he moves the queen to c7, the f7 pawn loses protection, resulting in a brutal consequence.

White then lands the b pawn, which forces the black knights to paralyzing squares. White then jumps forwards, and out of the blue, Black's king is in danger. Black is forced into the defense, all because he did not know how to defend against a surprise attack using e5 as a weapon. In despair, Black plays h6 and trades his bishop for the knight. Then, the h6 pawn becomes a hook. And finally, White breaks in. Black is starting to realize the lack of defenders, as a matter of fact, that is true. Black literally has no pieces in the game.

Black is totally lost, and tries a spite attack, but tricks do not work against people like me.

And the rest is just how to convert a totally won attack and a material advantage into a win. Even though it is hard, Black is under heavy pressure even after losing the piece. So, take your time, and the point shall eventually be delivered.

If Black does not go this line, it is hard to think of other counters to this opening.

And there you have it! My ultimate analysis of How To Beat The Slav! Stay tuned for more articles like this!