Botvinnik Semi-Slav

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

^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. 

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

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

He plays the slav!

No I dont. I play semi slav

Which variation did you play earlier?

And now Logozar is 2116 USCF after ignoring this advice.

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.

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

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

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.