Slav or Semi-Slav? - Chess Forums

Moon_Knight

Apr 20, 2011

0

#1

I'm studying both defenses for an upcoming tourney. I'm trying to determine which one is better and also which one is more appropiate for my playing style. I like to play really aggressively but I need a sound defence because I don't want to be too reckless.

Which slav do you prefer? Or if you don't care for slav's which defense do you prefer?

Any input is appreciated! :D

Shivsky

Apr 20, 2011

0

#2

If your rating here is an accurate reflection of your playing strength, I'd be tempted to say "neither, play something simpler" . The Lasker defense or the Tartakower lines of the QGD are easier to grasp in terms of the ideas and given that either you or opponent will leave book pretty early, both of these QGD systems would be solid ways to deal with 1.d4 d5 2.c4.

One more advantage of starting with classical QGD is that you learn a lot by figuring out how Black fights in the Q-Side, how to resist clockwork attacks on your h7 / Kingside and the importance of break moves (...c5 being the most vital!).

These ideas help you transition to the slav-type stuff later on.

Moon_Knight

Apr 20, 2011

0

#3

LordNazgul wrote:

Fezzik wrote:

A 16 yr old rated ~1478 asking a bunch of strangers whether the Slav or Semi-Slav is a better fit for his style?

The Slav is a better fit for your style. It's more open and honest than the Semi-Slav.

Lol ?

lol, I specifically remember asking which one you strangers preferred but, haha ok.

Moon_Knight

Apr 20, 2011

0

#4

Shivsky wrote:

If your rating here is an accurate reflection of your playing strength, I'd be tempted to say "neither, play something simpler" . The Lasker defense I'll or the Tartakower lines of the QGD are easier to grasp in terms of the ideas and given that either you or opponent will leave book pretty early, both of these QGD systems would be solid ways to deal with 1.d4 d5 2.c4.

One more advantage of starting with classical QGD is that you learn a lot by figuring out how Black fights in the Q-Side, how to resist clockwork attacks on your h7 / Kingside and the importance of break moves (...c5 being the most vital!).

These ideas help you transition to the slav-type stuff later on.

I'll make sure to check out these two defense! I think I might like the Lasker Defense.

Moon_Knight

Apr 20, 2011

0

#5

Fezzik wrote:

The Semi-Slav includes several of the most complex openings in all of chess. It's extremely popular at the very highest levels because it is so massively complex.

The Slav is also popular, at just about all levels. The plan of development for Black is easier to understand, but it can still reach very complex middle game positions.

A 14xx rated player won't see too many of the most complex lines regardless of his choice. Of the two, the Slav is probably the better choice.

The best choices for a ~1500 rated player against 1.d4 d5 2.c4 is 2...e6 3.Nc3 c5 or possibly 2...Nc6!? (an interesting try that will get most opponents out of their "book" very quickly but is still sound enough to appear occasionally in top games.)

Don't worry too much about the names of the openings at this stage. Focus more on plans of development, challenging the center, and getting a playable game. Play the moves that make the most sense to you. Then go and study carefully where you made your mistakes.

Fix the mistakes in your game and your rating will skyrocket. Focus on which fashionable opening to play and your rating will stagnate.

Thank you! i focus more on the positions than the names. I've been looking for a repertoire against 1. d4 and I think the slav suits me. I look through more than just the names. I watched like a 15 minute video on each. The fact that its so popular at the master level and I liked the result of a match I studied in chess life makes it seem desirable. And plus it helps me worry a bit less about pawn structure.

Moon_Knight

Apr 20, 2011

0

#6

uhohspaghettio wrote:

God dammit, I actually agree with Fezzik again. The Semi-Slav and QGD are huge complexes where you'd be facing people who know all the tricks and traps and complications involved in it because they've been playing it/against it for years. The Slav is just as good as any other opening at the highest level of chess.... Anand played it thrice out of six games as Black in the 2010 World Chess Championship. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Chess_Championship_2010 though maybe you want to play 6. ...Nbd7 rather than 6. ...e6 to keep it in Slav territory.

Thanks! I'll study those games tonight. I shouldn't have too much trouble with the years of experience part at my level. I'm entering in the U1400 section of the tournament.

Shivsky

Apr 20, 2011

0

#7

Fezzik wrote:

...

Fix the mistakes in your game and your rating will skyrocket. Focus on which fashionable opening to play and your rating will stagnate.

+Infinity.