Chess openings - Slav Defence

[@KebuChess]

Thank you! The chess set was a gift from my Grandmother a long time ago. Since so many people are asking about it I'll have to find out what she recalls about it next time I see her :)

[@captcorajus]

So, at 9:35 The Bishop moves to b4. Typically I move Q to B3. If Black moves the threatened bishop QxB7. If Black plays A5 to defend, white plays Ne5. This still seems pretty strong for white, especially in regards to center control.

[@michaelfortunato1860]

This is great. You're a terrific teacher. I used to play the Slav and this was a fun reminder.

[@KebuChess]

+Michael Fortunato Thank you! :)

[@KebuChess]

I'm not sure what you're asking? If you are inquiring about what the various references like "e4" "d4" "knight to c3" refer to, you can read more about chess notation by doing an online search for "algebraic notation" or by purchasing a book which introduces basic chess strategies and includes a section on algebraic notation. -Dereque

[@GameQari]

Your videos are so informative. When I play I have a real strategy motivating my moves after watching these. Thank you very much for making them. The explanations format are wonderful.

[@KebuChess]

You bet! So glad to hear you and others are finding the videos helpful

[@ianjames537]

You should add this to your Queen's Gambit playlist.

[@KebuChess]

Thank you for the feedback! So glad you're participating in the channel, thanks!

[@KebuChess]

@pw891 (2/2): Therefore the bishop simply retreats to d6 or e7 and White still cannot achieve e3-e4. If the knight returns then Black can consider perpetual with …Bb4 once again or look for something better to do. -Dereque

[@KebuChess]

@pw891 (1/2): This is a great question and shows that you’re thinking strategically. If White plays strategy which involves moving the knight away from the c3 square (such as playing Na2 to kick the bishop) the bishop paradoxically succeeds in fulfilling its aim of assisting in the control of the e4 square since the knight’s movement takes protection away from that square.

[@KebuChess]

Thanks for the question. This maneuver is probably not going to be easy to pull off. For example, if Black simply plays ...Qe7 before Ba3 it will be impossible to achieve (and ...Qe7 is probably a useful move for Back in its own right). Furthermore, Qd2 seems to invite ...Ne4 in many cases! In general this b4-bishop hangs around for some time to come

[@firstlast-fr1le]

I just recently found this channel but really like how he shows/explains the openings / counters and chess in general.

[@eliisrael2718]

You're opening videos are the most instructive I've seen, because you're not only showing the moves, but also gives the logic behind them very clearly, so it's easier to remember. The first choice of mine when looking for new opening is your videos. The only downside is that they are too short and don't cover more lines.

[@KebuChess]

Great to hear!

[@KebuChess]

(2/2) What's more after more natural play 4.Nc3 e6 5.Nf3 Black even delays the development of his g8-knight with 5...Nd7! thereby avoiding Nh4 as would customarily happen in such positions. Thus 3.e3 allows Black a comfortable development.

[@KebuChess]

(1/2) Hmm, I'd be worried about a quick ...e5 at some point. If you are playing 3.c5 I imagine you are looking to build a big space advantage on the queenside. But as you pursue this aim you will also need to develop and Black should not find it difficult to chip away at the pawn front with ...e5 or ...b6.

[@bobsieshow]

this is the very best teacher...he goes at the right pace and clarifies...keep up the good work.

[@KebuChess]

Thanks so much, I super appreciate this!! :)

[@Gregoryt700]

This guy is one of the best teachers I have encountered on a chess channel. And my rating has fluctuated 1800-1950, so I'm not exactly a beginner. Kudos to you, sir.

[@Gregoryt700]

Ps -- I used to always played KID or Grunfeld against d4, but now I'm beginning to add the Slav. Thank you.

[@KebuChess]

Really great! Thank you for sharing this, I really appreciate it! Kudos to you as well for taking up the Slav, what a rich and rewarding opening. Great Fun to play and study! :))

[@jivepar]

Your videos are great because you have a great gift for making things very clear in a concise form. I have compiled all your chess videos in my library. I find it more useful to me than all my chess books.

[@GingerBeardMan27]

At 9:00, why not play Bg5 before playing e3? That way you get some pressure on the f knight, a pin after e6, and you are finding an active square for the bishop before locking it in with e3.

[@KebuChess]

Interesting.... Bg5 is a bit slow in recovering the c4-pawn and there are some ways Black can create favorable complications thanks to this Bg5 sortie. I think one of the most convincing is 6...Ne4!? since if 7.Nxe4 Bxe4 Black has access to ...Qd5 to assist in holding the c4-pawn and also threatens to reply to 8.e3? with 8...Bxf3! followed by ...Qa5+ and ...Qxg5! After 6...Ne4 7.e3 is a better reaction but after 7...Qa5 8.Bxc4 Nxc3 9.bxc3 Qxc3+ 10.Nd2 e6, Black retains an extra pawn. There are other ways for Black to provoke White thanks to the somewhat inefficient 6.Bg5!? but I think this one is plenty of food for thought! Hope this helps

[@ian77efc]

also the knight across whitesa own back e2 to g6 then looking during middle game to hit or defend the f5 square which is going to be the area of a middle game to end game battle

[@KebuChess]

(1/2) Ah, this an interesting plan but it would be quite difficult to pull off. In the first place, it is not clear how White can defend the c3-knight without compromising the plan you're mentioning. For example Qb3 defends the knight but eliminates the possibility of White's playing b2-b3 (Black would likely respond ...a5 to maintain the bishop's position).

[@KebuChess]

Thank you for the kind words and the suggestion!

[@KebuChess]

(1/2) Good question! This one actually requires some variations: 6...Qd7 7.Ne5! Qc8 (7...Qc7 8.e4!) 8.e4! is the punishment though it's not completely obvious right away how this is so strong. White will simply find that he has sufficient time for Bb5+, Bf4, Rc1, and crushing pressure down the c-file. I would study these variations (generated with the help of the computer Houdini!)...

[@KebuChess]

(2/2) And Bd2 defends the knight but eliminates the opportunity to play Ba3 after b2-b3. Qe1 is awkward and even after Qe1 and b3 by White, Black can likely avoid Ba3 by playing ...Qe7.

[@KebuChess]

(1/2) Great question. The answer is subtle. After 3...Bf5! (remember this is often one of Black's big dreams in the Slav) White does not have the normal idea of playing 4.cxd5 cxd5 5.Qb3 attacking both b7 and d5 because in this particular position 5...Qc7! threatens to capture on c1, allowing Black enough time to cover he d5-pawn after 6.Nc3 e6.

[@KebuChess]

3...Be6 is dubious and 4.Nc3 seems quite sensible. Black's early ...Be6 and ...h6 spend time on moves which do not assist him in castling and developing his pieces to the appropriate squares. Also, White could immediately gain a strong structural advantage with 5.cxd5 (5.Qb3!? or even 5.e4!?) cxd5 6.Qb3 Qb6 7.Qxb6 axb6 with an advantage to White (again the bishop on e6 is clumsy and currently stuck to the d5-pawn and the weaknesses on b6 and b7 are important)

[@KebuChess]

@BlackExS: No plans to do so, but I appreciate the suggestion!

[@KebuChess]

(2/2) If the pawn front is dissolved, White also, in theory, loses the tempi (time spent) invested in pushing the pawns and can be significantly behind in development. That is a just a stream of ideas - take it for what it's worth, your idea could have great merit :-)

[@meiyazhaganm4327]

6:51 m one move have to escape two pawn to white play Na2 b3,Nb4 Be6

[@KebuChess]

The knight can return to c3 after ...b3, I'm not sure what else you are saying exactly... :)

[@tylersodemann4024]

4:45 what if Qd7? protects both

[@KebuChess]

I would guess ...a5? Then what function does the queen fulfill on b3 - and more importantly, what function might the queen be better suited for?

[@digocr]

Why black accepts the gambit with dxc4 (giving his central pawn for a flank pawn) if he had prepared to compensate the eventual white's capture by c6? He prepares and then gives up the idea. It's said that this is common at 3:12 and 5:46 So I understand this is no theory but experience, right?

[@KebuChess]

Hi Rodrigo, I'm not sure I really understand your question except to say that ...c6 can help Black support the pawn after ...dxc4 via ...b7-b5, I hope this helps! I'm not sure I understand the question! Warm regards! - Krishna Prem (NM) :)

[@ian77efc]

str8 after the nc3 id usally open the white bishops diagnal looking getting my queen on c2 and then open up on blacks enter peices with the e4 looking to bbrake his front line down the knight on c3 comes in handy then to defend the e4 or pair up with bishop on blacks queen side to flank him depending on how the black is playing the slav just makes more sense for me as i like to grab a hold of the center agaisnt the slav as fast as i can with white and not allow black catching up tempo

[@lukastux3024]

Almost 10 years now and still the number 1 introduction to the Slav on KZbin

[@KebuChess]

Thank you Lukas!! :)

[@LudicrousAndroid]

These are the cleanest (professional) and most well done chess vids on youtube :D

[@Sol-hc8qi]

I really like how you explain the moves

[@truckerd]

You are a great teacher, thank you for taking the time to make these videos. I love them.

[@BingoStrikesAgain]

Makes sense. Thanks for the videos. Been playing this opening a lot lately, getting nailed with aggressive king side attacks though!

[@randylorraine6395]

It was Carlsen's win yesterday using the (semi) Slav defense that roused my interest in it. I don't usually play d4 but now I will. Thanks for explaining some of the ideas behind this opening.

[@KebuChess]

You bet!

[@KebuChess]

Yup, that would be the "Semi-Slav" indeed. When I think of the Semi-Slav sometimes I think of it as a particular variation of the Slav - a very big variation, and sometimes I think of it as it's own separate opening. Some of the themes mentioned in this video apply to the Semi-Slav, however, such as the importance of Black's ...c6 in controlling the b5-square which in turn leads to situations where Black plays ...dxc4 and later ...b5.

[@KebuChess]

I'm 2221 (USCF) - I play in Seattle or on the West Coast if you mean tournaments and Chess.com and ICC sometimes if you mean online! Glad to hear you've found the videos helpful!

[@KebuChess]

Thanks so much for the encouraging remarks, I really appreciate it! -Dereque

[@KebuChess]

It is an old gift from my grandmother many years ago. I do not know how to get one now but since many have asked perhaps I will find out soon enough.:-\

[@Hybridman7]

Thanks also for this excellent one. I can't help but appreciate such interesting studies: as clear as concise. Have lively days, sir!

[@KebuChess]

@pardeep kumar: Thanks, will look into this when the opportunity arises :)

[@ani-planet3747]

Dereque Kelley your vids amazing

[@MarcStutzel]

I guess you could say I play "the queens gambit" but I first make sure my Q pawns 1,2,are lined up properly. then if black "accepts the c3 pawn I recapture with b2 pawn. they usually do not and I end up with a diagonal from f2 to c5. The a3 pawn prevents blacks QK from entering. my turf. I really enjoy your videos , thanx Marc :)

[@KebuChess]

Marc Stutzel Thanks Marc! :)

[@KebuChess]

Wow! That's tremendous to hear :) Thank you for the kind words, I hope the future work continues to be just as valuable to you -Dereque

[@backyard282]

Dereque, at 10:09, after white plays Nh4 and after Bg3, there are lot of similar positions like i told you right now where white/black can get bishop pair that way, but opponent's rook file gets opened. So, does that mean that in those positions is worth taking bishop pair or no?

[@barsorrro]

Yes, I can only join in the chorus -- thank you so much for this video! As all the previous ones I've watched, it has been extremely informative, but in this case it was particularly instructive to me, because I'm a novice player and the Slav has been my preferred defence to d4. And, of course, I've never realised the vulnerability of b7 :D.

[@lottabee]

Does this work with the Slav Squat as well?

[@_awsome_sauce_2031]

Yes. For this to truly work you need 1. Slav squat 2. Vodka 3. Warm/kompote 4. Adidas track suit

[@krishnaprem2847]

LOL :)

[@vikramkrishnan6414]

Feet facing sky, western spy. Feet on ground, slav around

[@faceshed]

8:02 you say queen b3 but show the bishop doing a knight move. It's pretty clear what you mean, but I just thought you should know. Thanks for the videos.

[@moredoethanu]

Dereque I love the term at 6:05 black makes himself more strong. Was thinking should be stronger. But I like your way better brother. Thanks for the vid

[@ChewyMilk19]

At 4:16, why couldn't black play Queen to d7 to guard both pawns? He could block an eventual Bb5 move by white with Nc6, so I don't understand why Qd7 isn't a good option.

[@neueraeightyeight8019]

@Dereque Kelley: I really enjoy your videos and this one was no exception. however, I have to point out that black's move 6. b6 is actually a blunder according to stockfish. It is quite an intricate line though afterwards with 7.e4/dxe4(temporary pawn sacrifice) 8.Ne5/e6 9.Bb5+ and the line continues in various ways, but white is up by quite a margin(+3.6). I stumbled upon this line when analyzing one of my games on lichess, where my opponent played 6.b6 (didn't find it during the game though) But as I said before, I love your content and keep up the great work!

[@phroney]

Thanks for your videos! They are very educational. Keep up the good work.

[@rileysine8903]

yeah I realize that the #s are a bit whack, but I didn't know what to put for the numbers. what I am asking is that if black parks a bishop on b4, can't white dislodge it by organizing more defense for the c3 knight, then playing b3 and Ba3?

[@julienbourgouint9671]

I like how pedagogical your videos are. Thanks a lot (Julien from France)

[@KebuChess]

Thank you Julian! I appreciate this! :)

[@NowhereMan7]

Hi Julien from France, I just wanted to tell you noone except a Sith would ever really say the word pedagogical in casual dialogue

[@tahinijayasuriya]

C7 to c6

[@KebuChess]

I play Nc3! But I wouldn't go so far as to call it far superior, or even superior at all. Both moves seem quite sensible to me. What makes Nc3 stand out for you?

[@rileysine8903]

you say near the end that the black bishop on b4 will be difficult to dislodge, but after the more modern variation with Ne5, example moves 1...e6 2. Nxc4 Bb4 isn't this bishop easily ejected with b3 and Ba3?

[@PurpleDuckTape00]

Would going over the chebaneko slav be difficult to overview? If not that would be interesting.

[@MarianoLopezMinnucci]

Hello, Dereque. I started watching your videos yesterday and I'm finding them really useful! I hope you continue uploading more. Great work! Can I suggest the Trompovsky Attack and more about the French Defense? I'm very interested in those. Greatings!

[@nathanieln.1732]

I love this video! Very instructive! I was wondering something: In the line where 4...dxc4 5.e4 b5, what if White played a developing move like Bf4, instead of trying to regain the pawn with a4, thus gaining an even bigger development lead? Does that cause any major troubles for Black?

[@KebuChess]

My experience is that being down a pawn should be a more significant factor than White's development advantage. I would very happily accept Black in those positions based on my experience. Great question! And thank you for the kind words! :)

[@nathanieln.1732]

@@KebuChess Thank you so much!

[@KebuChess]

Thank you for the kind words! I noted your suggestions :)

[@reubenfrench6288]

Could you please make a video for the semi-slav

[@KebuChess]

I like the suggestion, thank you!

[@alakomputer]

at 4:26 why you did'nt take the black queen to d7 ?

[@KebuChess]

@Adolf Ronny: ...Qd7? Bxb8! ...Rxb8 e4! (threat of exf5 and Bb5)

[@KebuChess]

Hmm, this wasn't be design, but now I'll think more carefully about keeping up that practice. Glad you enjoyed the video! -Dereque

[@PurpleDuckTape00]

Wow, you made this crystal clear.. thanks I now understand alot more

[@rileysine8903]

Very solid points I didn't see but can't white play Qd2 to defend the c3-knight? and in the event of black playing a5, after white plays Ba3, black either takes on a3 and white recaptures with Rxa3, or black waits for white to take on b4, then retakes with axb4, but white can then play Na2 leaving black's queenside structure in disarray and the pawn on b4 is loose under attack by both the queen and a4 knight. by the way, hope I don't sound like someone who thinks he knows more than a 2150+ rat

[@drdwitte]

Great, just noticed that you pronounce every move, allowing visually impaired people to follow. Well done!

[@thegamehaa]

Your videos are absolutely amazing! In fact, your videos are some of the only ones that I can watch to progress my chess education as many, despite being made by proficient players, fail to be clear and examine logically the follow up moves. I have been playing since I was just a kid and would say I am a decent player. But, I don't do too much studying on openings and have a hard time when you toss around "bishop c4 then c6 etc" without directly showing it on the chess map. Maybe you could add some grid things on the side to make it easier to see for those who are less experienced? Other than that, great job and I love your videos! Subscribed D:!

[@KebuChess]

TheGameHaa Thank you for the kind words!! I also appreciate the feedback, thank you!

[@dmaster20ify]

Great video. You certainly analyze the key variations in openings that give non masters problems. The slav has been a problem to me for a long time. When I was really weak I thought white plays d4 c4 and win; but introduction to the Slav was a nightmare and I never found a way that made me feel comfortable in the opening. By watching your video I know for sure that I got to do some serious reading up on this defense. Probably I might even begin implementing it as black. I normally play 1. d4 c5 but I am really not comfortable in some lines. I figure if white plays the best moves my defense should be refuted. And after watching your video on the Modern Benoni I had to ask why do I always play 1. d4 c5? Kasparov Chessmate suggested the move so I saw it as legitimate, and I liked the early aggression it gave black. But after playing it for so long and tactical lines I prepared being refuted hard, it's probably time to ditch this defense. Scrap it and try out the Slav Defense. And probably I try playing some new lines in the Queen's Pawn like London System. And it's time I started playing some dynamic openings like in King's Pawn.

[@KebuChess]

:) Cool!!! :) :) :)

[@BingoStrikesAgain]

After all this, isn't it relatively easy for white to displace black's dark square bishop on b4 by playing Qb3? There's no pawn guarding b3 anymore since it was captured by white's light squared bishop. What would be a sound response from black if Qb3?

[@paolonemeno4870]

I loved watching your videos! can you make another video about the london system? im really into this opening! ^_^

[@PerfectPeter891]

Towards the end of the video you talk about how having his bishop securely on the b4 square is an advantage for Black, but why cannot White simply force it away by playing Bd2 and then moving his knight out the way when convenient?

[@Banelingify]

Hey Derek, I am enjoying your videos! At 3:59 what if black takes the pawn with knight? (Nxd5) How can white capitalize on black's mistake? I am learning a lot from your videos, keep it up!

[@KebuChess]

@hobowerdo: Thanks for the subtle pressure! :-) Don’t worry, I was not idling by any means! The next video has arrived, I hope you enjoy. -Dereque

[@KebuChess]

That is an interesting suggestion, noted!

[@olivercoates7076]

What about 4.Nc3 Bf5 5.cxd5 Nxd5!? I'm seeing 6.Qb3 Nxc3 (6... Qb6, with a similar position, but no isolated pawn on the d file. The best I can find is for white to play something like 7.Qxb6 axb6 8.e4 Nxc3 9. exf5 - Leaving a messy board - has black found equality there? 7. c5 also looked interesting, but it is entirely different, and I didn't see many games with it so I have ignored that option) 7.bxc3 (7.Qbx7 Nd5! 8.Qxa8 Qb6 or Qc7 and the white queen is safe but imprisoned - Is black compensated for the material loss?) Qb6 leaving no obvious punishment for having played Bf5. The best idea I have come up with there is 8.Nd2, threatening e4 and pushing to expand, but 8... e5! seems to foil that (or at least complicate it to make it unpleasant to look at. I have been looking into an alternative move order as white: 4.Nc3 Bf5 5.Qb3 (This leaves no d5 pawn for black to capture, leaving only the committal Qb6, as far as I can tell) Qb6 6. cxd5 Nxd5 (6... cxd5 transposes to the normal trick) 7.Nxd5 cxd5 (7... Qxb3 8.Nc7+ Kd8 9.axb3 Kxc7 and black's pawn isn't isolated, but he cannot castle) 8.Qxd5 (winning the pawn, though allowing 8... e3, forcing the queen to move again, but overall this looks good for white to me)

[@orioncon]

when playing as black after the move pawn to C-6 the reply I allways get is N-C3

[@castanatra]

Thank you ! I'm learning a lot with your channel !!

[@KebuChess]

Thank you Alan I appreciate this! :) Krishna

[@pavellima5755]

Cool video, good explanations

[@KebuChess]

Thank you!

[@drdwitte]

I am currently studying the Taimanov Sicilian, and there's not alot to be found on youtube about it. If you would ever be interested in making a video, that would be very much appreciated! (although I understand you have plenty of requests to handle ;))

[@keeganrhyu4988]

what about queen to d7 at 4:17?

[@KebuChess]

Ne5 will do

[@theelectricmudofficial4684]

Big fan of your videos. Thank you.

[@KebuChess]

Thank you very much!! :)

[@TheKDKamath]

Wonderful lesson :) I wonder what pieces are those? They do look quite elegant.

[@KebuChess]

+TheKDKamath I'm not sure, I've had this set for a while :)

[@VoodooD0g]

sadly u didnt cover what is most happening to me, white captures on d5 (without blakc having the bishop out)

[@JohnTolentino]

Thanks for explaining this opening and the principles behind it! Really clear and simple. I'm looking forward to exploring the f2-f3 modern variation you've mentioned. SUBSCRIBED! :-)

[@KebuChess]

:) Thank you for subscribing, I'm glad you're enjoying the videos!

[@GOATPHENCURRY]

I've improved so much from your videos! thanks!!! whats your rating? where do you play

[@msgreen0812]

Amazing analysis brother

[@krishnaprem2847]

Thank you so much, I greatly appreciate this! -Krishna Prem

[@KebuChess]

Thanks for the suggestion! :)

[@mrengler1]

Why does white play 3. Nf3 instead of 3. Nc3? i dont think black is threatening to play e5, and black isn't threatening the pawn on d4. and white isn't trying to avoid the nimzo since black hasn't played e6 yet. so why wouldn't 3. Nc3 add more pressure to d5 and be a better move?

[@KebuChess]

Both 3.Nc3 and 3.Nf3 are playable :) In either case, White is not going to overcome Black on d5

[@shnrrr]

You're videos are great, man!

[@KebuChess]

shnrrr And so are you! :)

[@robertholden3121]

Nice presentation.

[@KebuChess]

Thank you!

[@KebuChess]

I don't understand the question- the move numbers are not clear for me!

[@KebuChess]

Bad? There are many which are sub-par relative to other openings!

[@PurpleDuckTape00]

This has been great excellent work

[@KebuChess]

Wish I knew! Perhaps wiki?

[@philstevens4875]

Thanks for your excellent videos! I've had a lot of success with this defence at my club. Just one question: If after e4 b5, White then seeks to dislodge the knight with e5, what would be the best way for Black to proceed?

[@MrLoZFanatic]

Do you know the main line after the 4... e6 variation? Or is this just a transposition into the Semi-Slav?

[@fionnregan9428]

Hello Mr Kelly! I am quite new to chess, and very much appreciate your engaging way of teaching! With every view I learn something new. However it is sometimes hard to follow when you list possible moves in quick succession. Maybe adding the numbers and letters to the board-animation would make things easier for us newbies=) Please keep up the good good work! Have a nice evening