Slav Main Line 8.0–0 0–0 9.Nh4 [D19]-TWIC 968

TWIC 968

The Slav defence is a tough nut to crack. GM Shulman went with 9.Nh4 in the main line and won a nice tactical battle when black fell behind in development.

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Shulman,Y (2570) - Homa,S (2307)

Slav Main Line 6.e3 e6 7.Bxc4 Bb4 8.0–0 0–0 9.Nh4 [D19]

Chicago Open 2013 
Wheeling USA (7.12), 26.05.2013

Position 1
Black is under pressure and behind in development. What do you recommend for white now?

White to Play

22...Bg5

Slav 4.e3 Bf5 5.Nc3 e6 6.Nh4 Be4-TWIC 959

TWIC 959

Slav Slow 4.e3 Bf5 5.Nc3 e6 6.Nh4 Be4 7.f3 Bg6 8.Qb3 Qb6
The queenless game that can arise from the opposing 8.Qb3 Qb6 line results an an approximately equal game with the emphasis on quiet maneuvering. 

Black tried a bit too hard to mix things up in the feature game which allowed GM Vorobiov,E to demonstrate some fine endgame play.

Here is the feature game.

Vorobiov,E (2578) - Ulko,J (2444)
Slav Slow 4.e3 Bf5 5.Nc3 e6 6.Nh4 Be4 7.f3 Bg6 8.Qb3 Qb6 [D12]
ch-Moscow 2013 Moscow RUS (3.6), 24.03.2013

Position 1
Both sides have pawn majorities but white's is further advanced. How should white react to the attack on the f-pawn.

White to Play

38...Bd6

Slav 4.e3 Bg4 5.Nc3 e6 6.Qb3 Qb6-TWIC 959

TWIC 959
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 Bg4 5.Nc3 e6 6.Qb3 Qb6
The 4.e3 Slow Slav is the new wave against the rock solid Slav Defence. GM Holt wins the feature game with some creative play featuring a defensive queen sacrifice.

Pavlovic,MilosM (2482) - Holt,C (2504)
Slav Slow 4.e3 Bg4[D11]
UTD Turner GM Invitational 2013 Richardson USA (8), 12.03.2013

Position 1
White has some activity in return for a pawn and black has queenside pieces temporarily out of play on the queenside. What do you recommend for white?

White to Play

26...ed