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Botvinnik Semi-Slav

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FutureGM2001forlife
FutureGM2001forlife
Closed: Inactive
Jun 21, 2016
0
#21

In response to white.

LogoCzar
NM LogoCzar
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Jun 21, 2016
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#22
pfren wrote:
YuriSenkevich wrote:

Have you studied all the lines? Have you seen in which types of positions does black get into? You cant really say you like the opening until you reach the 17 moves final positions.

 

If so, I like it too lol it is the only defense or opening in which I have studied extensive theory.

If you reach the 27 moves deep variations of the Najdorf (17 is average knowledge) you still know very little about it.

As of now, I don't know 27 moves deep (average of the lines).

I know enough to get by at my level though, averaging somewhere between 10-20 lines (I think) depending on the variation.

LogoCzar
NM LogoCzar
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Jun 21, 2016
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#23
FutureGM2001forlife wrote:

Why don't you learn the queen's Indian Defense or the Nimzo Indian? Mr. Logozar.

Too positional, I don't like the types of positions very much. It seems much harder to play for a win.

heine-borel
heine-borel
Closed: Inactive
Jun 21, 2016
0
#24

^I would argue that the Nimzo-Indian is arguably the #1 best opening for black at pretty much any level of play. 

The positions are strategically rich, yet can be tactical, and both sides can force lines in which all 3 results are fully possible. 

It is also extremely solid, and even if you don't know theory, you won't lose, but instead just get a slightly worse position. 

Also, if you don't like positional situations, then you should play them to get better! Assuming you want to improve. The Nimzo isn't actually THAT positional; there are plenty of tactics involved. 

At the level of 1700s, where a player generally makes a silly, unforced blunder at least once every two games (observing a lot of 1700 players), the Botvinnik Slav is suicide, whereas the Nimzo is perfect.

I have played the Nimzo in OTB for my entire short chess career, and it has never failed to give me great positions. 

LogoCzar
NM LogoCzar
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Jun 21, 2016
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#25
YuriSenkevich wrote:
logozar wrote:
FutureGM2001forlife wrote:

Why don't you learn the queen's Indian Defense or the Nimzo Indian? Mr. Logozar.

Too positional, I don't like the types of positions very much. It seems much harder to play for a win.

 

You just talked about one of your weaknesses... Positional chess, the key to improving!

I agree. I am studying books like my system also. (Currently on the "Exchanging" chapter)

pranay_p
pranay_p
Aug 27, 2016
0
#26

What did you play against 1. d4 earlier? The grunfeld?

FutureGM2001forlife
FutureGM2001forlife
Closed: Inactive
Aug 27, 2016
0
#27
pranay_p wrote:

What did you play against 1. d4 earlier? The grunfeld?

He plays the slav!

LogoCzar
NM LogoCzar
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Aug 27, 2016
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#28
FutureGM2001forlife wrote:
pranay_p wrote:

What did you play against 1. d4 earlier? The grunfeld?

He plays the slav!

No I dont. I play semi slav

pranay_p
pranay_p
Aug 27, 2016
0
#29

Which variation did you play earlier?

Glaucon333
Glaucon333
Closed: Inactive
Mar 14, 2019
0
#30
Robert_New_Alekhine wrote:

I keep telling him: You're a 1700. Opening theory is not a priority. You should know a couple of basic lines and that's all. You're not focusing on positional concepts at all. You keep not doing the positional books you have, saving them "for later". You can't improve if all you do is study openings - 10% of what you should be doing right now is opening preparation. 

 

And now Logozar is 2116 USCF after ignoring this advice.

LogoCzar
NM LogoCzar
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Mar 14, 2019
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#31

I would like to clarify something: @Robert_New_Alekhine's advice was great advice, and if I followed his advice to study the classics and endgames more than openings at 1700-level, I would have probably improved faster.

SeniorPatzer
SeniorPatzer
Mar 14, 2019
0
#32
pfren wrote:

The Botvinnik variation as well as its sibling, the Anti-Moscow variation require memorizing a crapload of variations 20+ moves deep just to stay alive. Black may lose in straightforward fashion even in correspondence games, where he can use databases, and engines. Here is such a (very) quick disaster from the Anti-Moscow:

The natural pawngrabbing move 13...Nxc3 actually loses by force.

 

Thank you IM PFren.   I have no desire to memorize a crapload of variations 20-something moves deep.

LogoCzar
NM LogoCzar
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May 30, 2024
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#33

I guess if people are floating around social lands, form to connect w/ is free development/motive

IlGurpratiklI
IlGurpratiklI
May 31, 2024
0
#34

The Botvinnik Variation in the Semi-Slav Defense is one of the most complex and heavily analyzed lines in chess. It arises after the moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Nf3 e6 5. e3 (or 5. Bg5) Nbd7 6. Bd3 dxc4 7. Bxc4 b5 The key characteristics of the Botvinnik Variation include sharp play, deep tactical complications, and unbalanced positions. Here’s a breakdown of the moves leading to the Botvinnik Variation in more detail: 1. **d4 d5** 2. **c4 c6** - The starting point of the Slav Defense. 3. **Nc3 Nf6** - Developing the knight and aiming for the Semi-Slav setup. 4. **Nf3 e6** - Preparing to develop the bishop and reinforcing the center. 5. **e3** (or 5. Bg5) - Supporting the center pawn and preparing to develop the dark-squared bishop. 6. **Bd3 Nbd7** - Both sides continue their development. 7. **Bxc4** - Recapturing the pawn with the bishop. 8. **b5** - The defining move of the Botvinnik Variation, attacking the bishop and preparing for a queenside expansion. From this position, the game can continue in numerous highly tactical ways, such as: - 9. Bd3 a6 - 9. Be2 Bb7 - 9. Bd3 c5, leading to a very sharp and complex struggle. The Botvinnik Variation is well-regarded for its rich tactical and strategic ideas, and it requires deep preparation from both sides. It is often favored by players who enjoy complex, dynamic positions with plenty of opportunities for both attack and counterattack.