D16
Slav Defense: Alapin Variation
Key moves: 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6
The Slav Defence is a solid response to the Queen's Gambit where Black defends d5 with ...c6. Unlike the QGD, the light-squared bishop isn't blocked. It leads to positions that are both solid and dynamic.
History & Notable Players
Has been a cornerstone of chess theory since the early 20th century. Euwe, Smyslov, and many modern grandmasters have relied on it.
Top Players in this Opening
Related Openings
D10 - Slav Defense753D11 - Slav Defense: Modern Line1103D12 - Slav Defense: Quiet Variation, Landau Variation690D13 - Slav Defense: Exchange Variation268D14 - Slav Defense: Exchange Variation, Symmetrical Line192D15 - Slav Defense: Geller Gambit881D17 - Slav Defense: Czech Variation498D18 - Slav Defense: Czech Variation, Classical System183D19 - Slav Defense: Czech Variation, Dutch Variation253
Best Games
Aronian,L vs Svidler,P0-1
FIDE Candidates 2016 2016Notable
Nakamura,Hi vs Svidler,P1/2-1/2
FIDE Candidates 2016 2016Notable
Karjakin,Sergey vs Svidler,P1/2-1/2
FIDE Candidates 2016 2016Notable
Aronian,L vs Carlsen,M1/2-1/2
41st Olympiad Open 2014 2014Notable
Ponomariov,R vs Shirov,A1/2-1/2
73rd Tata Steel GMA 2011Notable
Gelfand,B vs Shirov,A1-0
Tal Memorial 2010Notable
Gelfand,B vs Karjakin,Sergey1/2-1/2
19th Amber Blindfold 2010Notable
Grischuk,A vs Karjakin,Sergey1/2-1/2
19th Amber Rapid 2010Notable
Gelfand,B vs Grischuk,A1/2-1/2
Tal Memorial Blitz 2008Notable
Carlsen,M vs Grischuk,A0-1
Tal Memorial Blitz 2008Notable
Navara,D vs Svidler,P1-0
37th Olympiad 2006Notable
Ivanchuk,V vs Svidler,P1/2-1/2
Amber Rapid 2006Notable
Leko,P vs Kramnik,V1/2-1/2
WCh 2004Notable
Ljubojevic,L vs Shirov,A1/2-1/2
Amber Blindfold 2001Notable
Jussupow, Artur vs Gretarsson, Helgi Ass1-0
FIDE-Wch k.o. 1997Notable
Kramnik, Vladimir vs Ivanchuk, Vassily1/2-1/2
Amber-blind 5th 1996Notable
Kamsky, Gata vs Gelfand, Boris1/2-1/2
Tilburg 1992Notable
Timman, Jan H vs Petrosian, Tigran V0-1
Las Palmas Interzonal 1982Notable
Polugaevsky, Lev vs Larsen, Bent1-0
Riga Interzonal 1979Notable
Keres, Paul vs Bronstein, David I1/2-1/2
Petropolis Interzonal 1973Notable