VECO - The Slav Defense - GM Alex Lenderman - Volume 9

The Video Encyclopedia of Chess Openings Vol#9 – The Slav Defense – GM Alex Lenderman

Alex has created a repertoire based around the Exchange variation (1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.cxd5 cxd5) – a repertoire that gives White a powerful initiative based on rapid development and hitting that d5 pawn.

Play 1.d4 and you have a new way of dictating the game. Play the Slav as Black and, well, you need to know how to avoid the many pitfalls.

Why the Exchange Slav Defense?

In the Queen’s Gambit (1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6), exchanging pawns makes life easier for Black. They free their c8 bishop and can attack along the semi-open e-file.

In the Exchange Slav, it’s the c-file that is opened – and White can take advantage of this before Black can. 

Plus developing those bishops becomes awkward: Black has to move the c8 bishop first, then play …e6 and only then release the dark-squared bishop – and White can take advantage of this with moves like Nc3 then Qb3 hitting d5 and b7.

Learn the Lenderman way…

Strategy first. This is all about pressure and control. Alex shows you how to build a rock-solid center that gives you the freedom to create threats your opponent can’t defend.

Memorable games. Learning the ideas behind the system is much easier when you see them played out in memorable games. GM Lenderman shows how to generate powerful attacks like this one (diagram) that took down a certain Iranian prodigy!

Eternal advantage. Alex’s aim with this course is to show you how to get an edge… and keep it. Even if your opponent manages to hold off your attack, that edge stays right into the endgame – and GM Lenderman arms you with the winning endgame strategies too!

Avoid all the complex Slav lines and dominate from move 3!

Chapters

1. Introduction to the Slav Exchange
2. Slav Defense, Exchange Variation: 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.cxd5
3. Black plays 6…Ne4
4. Black plays 8…Rc8
5. How White should play against passive systems