The Queen’s Gambit’s Kryptonite: Your Complete Guide to the Slav Defense D10 - D19

 

Unlock the Secrets of the Slav Defense

A Comprehensive Guide for Black and White

Why Explore the Slav Defense?

Here are some reasons the Slav Defense is a fascinating opening for players of both colors:

• Rich Strategic Landscape: The Slav Defense offers a dynamic battleground with opportunities for positional maneuvering and tactical skirmishes.
• Solid Foundation: This opening provides a strong framework, allowing players to build a solid understanding of the center.
• Versatility: The Slav Defense caters to a variety of playing styles, from aggressive to positional.
• As Black: Gain a solid foundation and fight for central control with a flexible opening system.
• For White: Challenge Black's central control and create early imbalances with active piece play

Dive into the Slav Defense with these valuable resources:

Slav Wikipedia Page 

The Slav is one of the primary defenses to the Queen's Gambit.

Slav Defense Move by Move Breakdown

D10 Queen's Gambit Declined Slav defense  1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6

D11 Queen's Gambit Declined Slav, 3.Nf3
1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3

D12 Queen's Gambit Declined Slav, 4.e3 Bf5
1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 Bf5

D13 Queen's Gambit Declined Slav, exchange variation
1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. cxd5 cxd5

D14 Queen's Gambit Declined Slav, exchange variation,6.Bf4 Bf5
1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. cxd5 cxd5 5. Nc3 Nc6 6. Bf4 Bf5

---Bishops Bounty Exchange Slav Page Resources -  HERE---

D15 Queen's Gambit Declined Slav, 4.Nc3
1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3

D16: Queen's Gambit Declined Slav accepted, Alapin variation
1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. a4

D17: Queen's Gambit Declined Slav, Czech defense
1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. a4 Bf5

D18: Queen's Gambit Declined Slav, Dutch variation
1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. a4 Bf5 6. e3

D19: Queen's Gambit Declined Slav, Dutch variation
1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. a4 Bf5 6. e3 e6 7. Bxc4 Bb4 8. O-O

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Books & Courses (Free)

• Short & Sweet: Slav - FREE Chessable Course w/ 19 Lines (A solid FIDE Master designed beginner's guide to meeting the queen's gambit (1.d4 and 2.c4) with the classical Slav! Get up and running in no time, with this short and sweet FREE opening chess book.)
  
  
• Short & Sweet: Chebanenko Slav - Free Chessable Course w/20 Lines by GM Alex Colovic
  
  
• Short & Sweet: Triangle Slav - FREE Chessable Course w/ 20 Lines by GM Erwin L'Ami w/2hrs Video
  

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Slav Defense Chess Articles

• Slav Defense - Simplify Chess Guide - This clear explanation of the Slav Defense with three main variations provides a solid foundation for beginners.
  
  
• The Slav Defense – A Complete Chess Opening Guide For Black - ichess.net Guide -  Gain a comprehensive understanding of the Slav Defense with over 3 hours of video lessons and Lichess studies, suitable for intermediate players. (Archived)
  
  
• The Slav Defense – How to Play It as White and Black - Explore the Slav Defense from both sides of the board, learning Black's plans while understanding potential weaknesses to exploit as White.
  
  
• The Slav Defense - Remote Chess Academy Guide - This guide includes a 15-minute embedded video overview and a 10-chapter Lichess study for further exploration.
  
  
• Pawn Structure 101: The Slav Formation - Chess Simplified Guide - Nice Article -Deciphering the typical pawn formations arising from the Slav Defense is crucial for strategic decision-making. This guide helps you grasp these key structures.

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Slav Defense LiChess Studies

• Black repertoaire: Slav Defense: Introduction - 8 Chapter Study - This 8-chapter study lays the groundwork for the Slav Defense, including its close cousin, the Semi-Slav. It delves into opening lines, helping you build a solid foundation in this dynamic opening.
  
  
• 🛡️The Slav Defense🛡️ - 8 Chapter Interactive Study - Dive deep into the Slav Defense with this comprehensive 8-chapter interactive study. It covers a wide range of variations, equipping you to handle diverse challenges at the chessboard. (2063 hearts)
  
  
• Slav Defense🎩🎆, Updated - 26 Chapter Study (Well Done) This extensive 26-chapter study provides a treasure trove of Slav Defense knowledge. It explores various lines, showcases illustrative games, and even delves into gambit possibilities.
  
  
• Slav Defense Theory - 9 Chapter Study -  Go beyond memorizing moves with this 9-chapter thematic study. It explores key ideas for both White and Black in the Slav Defense, often linking chapters to relevant YouTube videos for deeper understanding.

New to Lichess studies? These interactive tools allow you to explore chess concepts and variations move-by-move, perfect for testing your understanding and deepening your knowledge.

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Games Databases

Chessgames.com

• Slav Defense - 9 GM Games
• Slav Defense-Black wins - 20 Games
  
  
• Queen's Gambit Declined Slav (D10-D19) - 71 Annotated Games 

365Chess.com

• Slav Variations Page D10 - D19 - (Click a Variation to be taken to a page of games)
  
  
• D11: Queen's Gambit Declined Slav, 3.Nf3 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 - 60,275 Games
  
  
• D12: Queen's Gambit Declined Slav, 4.e3 Bf5 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 Bf5 - 7977 games
  
  
• D13: Queen's Gambit Declined Slav, exchange variation 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. cxd5 cxd5 - 7229 Games
  
  
• D14: Queen's Gambit Declined Slav, exchange variation, 6.Bf4 Bf5 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. cxd5 cxd5 5. Nc3 Nc6 6. Bf4 Bf5 - 4934 games
  
  
• D15: Queen's Gambit Declined Slav, 4.Nc3 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 - 56,145 Games
  
  
• D16: Queen's Gambit Declined Slav accepted, Alapin variation 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. a4 - 17,071 games
  
  
• D17: Queen's Gambit Declined Slav, Czech defence 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. a4 Bf5 - 13,736 Games
  
  
• D18: Queen's Gambit Declined Slav, Dutch variation 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. a4 Bf5 6. e3 - 7016 Games
  
  
• D19: Queen's Gambit Declined Slav, Dutch variation 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. a4 Bf5 6. e3 e6 7. Bxc4 Bb4 8. O-O - 5779 Games

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Slav Defense Video Lessons

 

Playlists

• Slav Defense Opening Theory - 7 Video Playlist - Total 2.5 Hrs (Hanging Pawns)
  
  
• Slav Defense Theory - 48 Video Playlist  - 12 + Hrs (Jozarov's Chess Channel) - Lessons and Game anaylsis
  
  

Lessons

Learn the Slav Defense | 10-Minute Chess Openings - 7 Min - GM Levy Rozman (Gotham) - A concise introduction to the Slav's core ideas by GM Levy Rozman, emphasizing key pawn structures, piece development strategies, and common plans for Black. Video below

How To Play The Slav Defense Chess Opening - Deep Dive with GM Damian Lemos - 63 Min - A comprehensive exploration of the Slav Defense with GM Lemos. This in-depth video covers key variations in the main line and Semi-Slav lines, strategic concepts like pawn structures and piece play, and responses to various White strategies.

Slav Defense For Newbies: A Beginner’s Guide to Solid and Principled Opening Play - 30 Min - Dr. Can's Chess Clinic - Requiring relatively little rote memorization. We focus on chess principles and piece activity to explain each move, emphasizing the importance of understanding the "why" behind them. (New 6/29/2024)

Slav Defense Opening Traps 

• Small Opening Mistake | Slav Defence 4...Bf5?! | 5640 players made this mistake! - 5 Min 
  
  
• Basic Opening Chess Trap | Exchange Slav | The most common queen trap idea - 3 Min
  
  
• Slav Defense Chess Traps! Win in 9 Moves! Best Chess Opening Traps, Strategies, Ideas, Tricks to Win - 5 Min
  
  
• Dirty Chess Tricks 32 (Black in Slav Defense) - 20 Min
  
  
• Dirty Chess Tricks 49 (Exchange Slav) - 20 Min 
  
  

St. Louis Chess Club

• Slav Defense, Exchange Variation | Kids' Class - GM Varuzhan Akobian - 34 Min - Grandmaster Varuzhan Akobian goes over lines in the Slav Defense where white can play for an advantage. He also points out some common mistakes that black can make. (Beginner)
• The Exchange Slav - GM Varuzhan Akobian - 2015.10.18 - 26 Min -  A beginner-friendly look at the Exchange Slav with GM Akobian. This video explains the ideas behind the Exchange Slav, explores common plans for both sides, and provides tips for navigating this solid variation.
  
  
• Crushing Wins from the "Boring" exchange Slav | Road to 2000 - NM Caleb Denby - 52 Min - National Master Caleb Denby guides you through exciting wins in the exchange Slav. The opening is considered boring, but see how there is plenty to play for with White.
• The 4...a6 Slav Defense | Chess Openings Explained - 61 Min - NM Julian Prolinko -An in-depth analysis of the 4...a6 Slav Defense with NM Proleiko. This video explores the strategic ideas behind this move, analyzes critical variations arising from it, and showcases key games from top players featuring this interesting Slav line.

Ben Finegold

A collection of short lectures on various Slav Defense variations by GM Ben Finegold. This series covers key variations like the Main Line, Semi-Slav, and Chebanenko Slav, providing essential insights and strategic guidance for each variation.

• The Slav Defense: Bf5 Common Opening Mistake Bf5 - 7 Min - discusses the common Bf5 mistake in the Slav Defense.
• The Slav Defense: Main Line dxc4 - 6 Min
  
  
• Slav Defense: a6 Chebanenko Variation - 7 Min
  
  
• The Slav Defense: Exchange Variation - 7 Min
  
  
• The Slav Defense: e5 Pawn Sacrifice - 6 Min 
  
  Slav Defense Gone Wrong! - 21 Min - Here are some examples of what can go wrong if you get confused in the opening. Here, all the games start with black making errors early (Bf5?! and b6?) and getting crushed as a result.

Slav Defense Game Videos (With Analysis)

Slav Defense - 85 Video Playlist  - Chess School

Slav Defense - 57 Video Playlist  - agadmator - analysis and lessons from famous games

Slav and Semi-Slav - 211 Video Playlist  - kingscrusher - Analysis and lessons from famous games

Slav Defense Rating Climb - 6 Video Playlist - 3hrs IM Alex Banzea - Playing Games and Teaching lessons about each.

A super solid Slav || Magnus Carlsen plays the very interesting Chebanenko Slav vs Boris Gelfand -16 Min

Slav is the New Black! || Caruana vs MVL || MC Invitational (2020) - 10 Min

Slav Defense Exchange Variation: Harikrishna - Firouzja (Tata Steel 2021) - 16 Min

The Exchange Slav is not so boring! | Caruana vs Duda | Norway Chess 2020 - 15 Min

Adhiban explains some deep intricacies in the Exchange Slav | Asian Online Nations Cup 2020 - 6 Min

Instructive Slav Defense Game: Efstratios Grivas vs Li Shilong - 10 Min
Instructive Slav Defense game by Kasparov: Sakaev vs Kasparov - 10 Min
Instructive Slav Defense Game: Yannick Pelletier vs Erwin L'Ami - 13 Min

IM John Bartholomew  - games with great analysis and Lessons

Standard Chess #259: CuzImBetter vs. IM Bartholomew (Slav Defense) - 41 Min
Standard Chess #228: Lasker_01 vs. IM Bartholomew (Slav Defense) - 44 min
Standard Chess #214: gloti4 vs. IM Bartholomew (Slav Defense) - 29 Min
Blitz Chess #364: IM Tetrarch vs. IM Bartholomew (Exchange Slav) - 26 Min
Standard Chess #249: Gharaibeh vs. IM Bartholomew (Slav Defense) - 20 Min
Blitz Chess #385: GM Z-Integrator vs. IM Bartholomew (Slav Defense) - 21 Min
Blitz Chess #327: IM Bartholomew vs. GM Alexei Korotylev (Slav Defense) - 10 Min
Blitz Chess #93: GM Azmaiparashvili vs. IM Bartholomew (Slav Defense) - 11 Min

"Solidity is not the absence of ideas, but the presence of the right ones." - Emanuel Lasker

Petrov's Defense (Russian Defense) C42 - C43

 

Unveiling the Petrov's Defense:
 A Chess Bastion of Balance ♜

Petrov Wikipedia Page

The Petrov's Defense (also known as the Russian Defense) is a well-respected chess opening (1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6) known for its solidity and rich strategic possibilities.

Classified under ECO codes C42 (for lines other than 3. Nxe5) and C43 (for the Classical Variation 3. Nxe5), the Petrov's Defense offers Black a balanced and flexible approach against 1.e4. Here are some reasons to consider the Petrov's Defense in your opening repertoire:

• Solid pawn structure: The Petrov's Defense leads to a well-developed pawn structure for Black, providing a strong foundation for strategic maneuvers.
• Dynamic counterplay: Despite its positional nature, the Petrov's Defense holds potential for dynamic counterplay and tactical opportunities.
• Adaptability to White's choices: The Petrov's Defense offers flexibility, allowing Black to adapt their strategy based on White's third move.

Whether you're a club player or a seasoned competitor, the Petrov's Defense is a rewarding choice for those seeking a reliable and strategically rich opening. Let's embark on a journey to explore the captivating world of the Petrov's Defense!

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Books & Courses (Free)

FREE Chessable Courses

• Short & Sweet: The Petroff - by IM Christof Sielecki   w/ 21 Trainable Lines
  
  
• Short & Sweet: Damiano Petroff - by FM Kamil Plichta w/23 Trainable Lines
  
  
• Petroff Defense: Cochrane Gambit - by NM ZukertortsGhost  w/11 Trainable Lines
  

Internet Archive

• Beating the Petroff by Vassilios Kotronias, Andreas Tzermiadianos - 244 page PDF

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Petrov Defense Chess Articles

• The Petroff Defense – A Complete Opening Guide For Black -This comprehensive guide, although archived, offers a wealth of information for Black players, featuring embedded videos, multiple LiChess studies with annotated games, and in-depth variations. (Archived)
  
  
• Petrov Defense - This user-friendly guide breaks down the Petrov's Defense move by move, explaining key concepts and covering the 3 main variations for Black.
  
  
• Petrov Defense: Opening Guide for White & Black -  Chessable Blog (Enormous Guide ) This extensive guide delves into the Petrov's Defense from both sides, providing a well-rounded understanding for players of all colors.
  
  
• Cochrane Gambit: Adding Spice to the Petroff - Another Nice Article on the Chessable Blog - This article explores the Cochrane Gambit, a dynamic option for White within the Petrov's Defense.
  
  
• The Petroff: dependable or dangerous? - Chessbase Article -  This article analyzes 6 deeply annotated games and includes a 10-minute video, offering insights into the strategic implications of the Petrov's Defense.
  
  
• The Petroff Defense by GM Arun and GM Magesh - Article on Chess.com - This article by renowned GMs provides practical guidance with 3 analyzed games, making it a valuable resource for players seeking immediate improvement.

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Petrov Defense LiChess Studies

• Petrov's Defense/Russian Game -  15 Chapter Study - This in-depth study delves into variations, gambits, and illustrative games, providing a well-rounded understanding of the Petrov's Defense.
  
  
• Petrov's Defence, aka Russian Defence  - 60 Chapter Interactive Study  This interactive study offers a comprehensive exploration of all major variations, allowing you to test your understanding move by move.
  
  
• Petrov's Defense Study -- Part 1 - 51 Chapter Study - This in-depth study covers all the main lines, gambits, and model games (including 31 chapters dedicated to model games), providing a deep dive into the core concepts.
  
  
• Boden - Kieseritzky Gambit - 4 Chapter Study By IM Eric Rosen -This study explores this gambit, which can be seen as a reversed Stafford Gambit.
  
  
• Urusov Gambit - 7 Chapter Study - This study examines the Urusov Gambit, a dynamic gambit line for White.
  
  
• Cochrane Gambit - 11 Chapter Study - This study analyzes all the 5th move options Black can play in response to the Cochrane Gambit.
  
  

New to Lichess studies? These interactive tools allow you to explore chess concepts and variations move-by-move, perfect for testing your understanding and deepening your knowledge.

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Petrov Chess Puzzles

The Petrov's Defense may be known for its strategic depth, but tactical opportunities are abundant as well! Here's a strategic selection of resources to hone your tactical skills in the Petrov's Defense:

WTHarvey.com (30,000 Puzzles)

• Petrov Defense (ECO C42) - 18 Puzzles 
  
  
• Petrov, Modern Attack (ECO C43) - 11 Puzzles 
  
  

LiChess Opening Puzzles

Russian Game Puzzles - 19,834 Puzzles (Picks from All the Variations )

• Stafford Gambit - 4546 Puzzles
• Modern Attack  -  1612 Puzzles
• Damiano Variation - 656 Puzzles
• French Attack  - 233 Puzzles
• Karklins-Martinovsky Variation - 43 Puzzles
• Italian Variation  - 3943 Puzzles
• Classical Attack  - 894 Puzzles
• Cozio Attack  - 429 Puzzles
• Paulsen Attack - 101 Puzzles
• Three Knights Game - 3452 Puzzles
• Nimzowitsch Attack - 684 Puzzles
• Cochrane Gambit - 312 Puzzles
• Millennium Attack - 83 Puzzles

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Games Databases

365Chess.com

C42: Petrov's defence - 40,396 Games (Broken Down into 21 Variations)
C43: Petrov, modern (Steinitz) attack - 5757 Games (Broken Down into 7 Variations)

Vladimir Kramnik playing the Petrov Defense (C42) - 93 Games

Chessgames.com

COCHRANE GAMBIT - 31 game Collection

Petrov Defense (C42-C43)  - 32 Annotated Games

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Petrov Defense Video Chess Lessons

Petrov Defense Opening Theory - 7 VIDEO PLAYLIST - 2.5 hrs Hanging Pawns - This comprehensive playlist delves into the core concepts, variations, and strategic ideas behind the Petrov's Defense.

How to Play Petrov Defense (Russian Defense) | Best Chess Openings for Black - 28 Min - This beginner-friendly video introduces the Petrov's Defense, guiding you through main variations, potential traps, and illustrative games.

The Petroff Defense - Chess Openings by GM Damian Lemos - 32 Min -Lemos offers a foundational understanding of the Petrov's Defense, explaining opening moves, strategic plans, common traps, and theoretical developments.

Master Fabiano Caruana's Chess Opening 🎓 The Petroff Defense [Deep Dive] - 20 Min -Gain insights from a master! GM Lemos explores Caruana's preferred lines in the Petrov's Defense, including novelties, and analyzes instructive games to solidify your understanding.

Chess lesson # 35: Petrov Defense (Russian Defense) | Chess openings the right way - 15 min NM Ramirez -NM Ramirez provides a well-structured lesson on the Petrov's Defense, emphasizing key strategies, responses to various scenarios, and the importance of fighting for the initiative while keeping theory manageable.

Petrov Defense Chess Traps

• Bizarre Trap in the Petroff Defense - 15 Min IM Eric Rosen
  
  
• 5 Best Chess Opening Traps in the Petrov Defense | Stafford gambit, Anand was tricked and more - 15 Min GM Igor Smirnov
  
  
• Chess traps 10 in the opening Russian defense game or Petrov defense Video for Beginners - 1 Min

Cochrane Gambit

• Chess Tips: Crush The Petroff Defense with The Awesome Cochrane Gambit!! - 50 Min IM Miodrag Perunovic -Learn how to counter the Petrov's Defense with the aggressive Cochrane Gambit. IM Perunovic showcases illustrative games featuring Grandmasters who have employed this gambit successfully.
  
  
• Get Cocky with the Cochrane Gambit | Chess Openings Explained - 54 Min St. Louis CC - This in-depth exploration by the St. Louis Chess Club delves into the gambit's strategic ideas, tactical puzzles, and critical games, highlighting its potential and inherent risks.
  
  
• The Cochrane Gambit | Opening Deep Dives - 83 Min IM David Pruess -offers a theoretical perspective on the Cochrane Gambit, followed by a deep analysis of high-level games featuring this dynamic opening variation.

Urusov Gambit

The Unbeatable Urusov Gambit - Chess Openings Explained - 49 Min St. Louis CC -  Intrigued by the Urusov Gambit? Jonathan Schrantz of the St. Louis Chess Club explains the gambit's key concepts and how it can lead to a quick victory if Black is unprepared.

Chess Openings: Smash 'em with The Urusov Gambit!! - 44 Min  IM Miodrag Perunovic - provides a detailed analysis of the Urusov Gambit, a dynamic opening for White in the Petrov's Defense. He covers various responses for both sides, emphasizing development and tactical possibilities.

Petrov Defense Game Videos (w/Analysis)

Petrov's Defense - 56 Video Playlist  - agadmantor's 
Petrov's Defence  - 48 Video Playlist  - Chess School
Petrov's defence (Petroff's defence aka Russian Game) - 17 Video playlist - kingscrusher

Standard Chess #239: IM Bartholomew vs. Neverness (Petroff Defense) - 39 Min

Carlsen STOMPS ☠️ Karpov's Petroff Defense (Magnus Carlsen vs Anatoly Karpov) - 13 Min

Kramnik vs. Caruana: Candidates 2018 | Strategy Session - GM Yasser Seirawan - 66 Min

Cochrane Gambit Games
USING ALL MY PAWNS TO ATTACK | Eric tries the COCHRANE GAMBIT - 7 Min GM Hansen
Just Wow! Topalov Goes For Cochrane Gambit Against Kramnik Himself - 8 Min
You Won't Believe Your EYES! The COCHRANE GAMBIT in Top Engine Level -Dragon vs Sf - TCEC 22 Finals - 18 Min
Magnus got Cocky with the COCHRANE GAMBIT! - Carlsen vs Yu Yangyi - Petrov Defense - 15 Min

"The Petroff Defense is not a shield, it's a springboard for counterattack." - Emanuel Lasker

Modern Defense (B06): Unleash a Flexible and Dynamic Opening for Black!

  

The Modern Defense 
 A Dynamic Chess Opening for Black

• Flexible and strategic: Fight for the center without directly contesting it.

• Active piece play: Fianchetto the dark-squared bishop for quick development.

• Solid pawn structure: Build a strong foundation for dynamic play.

• Effective against 1. e4 or 1. d4: Adaptable to White's opening moves.
  

• This post is your launchpad to explore the Modern Defense! We've curated a collection of resources to help you understand its concepts, sharpen your skills, and elevate your chess game.

Modern Defense Wikipedia Page

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BOOKS (Free)

Short & Sweet: The Modern Defense - FREE Chessable Course -This concise course by CM Vjekoslav Nemec offers 22 trainable variations with 2 hours of free video MoveTrainer® instruction. It's the perfect starting point for players new to the Modern Defense.

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Modern Defense Chess Articles 

Equip Yourself with Modern Defense Knowledge: Dive deep into the fascinating world of the Modern Defense with this curated selection of articles! We've gathered resources for players of all levels, from foundational concepts explored in comprehensive guides to strategic insights from renowned chess masters. 

The Ideas Behind the Modern Defence - ( Exeter Chess Club ) - This comprehensive article delves into the core strategic principles behind the Modern Defense, laying a strong foundation for your understanding.

5 Reasons to Play Modern Defense -  ( WGM Raluca Sgîrcea, IM Renier Castellanos ) - Discover the key benefits of wielding the Modern Defense in your chess arsenal, making it a compelling choice for Black players.

Strike Back Now With the Modern Defense - ichess.net -This extensive guide by iChess.net serves as a one-stop shop for beginners. It offers a complete overview of the Modern Defense with embedded videos, making it an excellent starting point.

Modern Defense Chess Opening – Deep Dive with GM Damian Lemos - Take a deeper dive with Grandmaster Damian Lemos in this iChess.net article. With video analysis included, this resource provides detailed exploration of the Modern Defense for intermediate players.

How to Win with the Pirc & Modern Defenses – GM Fabien Libiszewski - Learn winning strategies from Grandmaster Fabien Libiszewski! This iChess.net article explores both the Pirc and Modern Defenses, offering valuable insights for Black players looking to expand their repertoire.

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Modern Defense LiChess Studies

• Modern Defense - 15 Chapter Study (One of the Nicer ones)  (626 hearts) - Different Variations, Common Traps and a few Model games.
  
  
• The Modern Defense - 16 Chapter Study - Different Variations Shown
  
  
• Reference games - BLACK - B06 Modern Defense  -  64 Chapter Study  - All 0-1 Games (No Annotations)

New to Lichess studies? These interactive tools allow you to explore chess concepts and variations move-by-move, perfect for testing your understanding and deepening your knowledge.

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Modern Defense Chess Puzzles
Test your tactical vision and put your knowledge of the Modern Defense into practice with these engaging puzzles. 

WTHarvey.com

Chess puzzles from the Robatsch (ECO B06) - 9 Tactics Puzzles - Get started with a set of tactical problems focusing on the Robatsch (ECO B06) variation.

LiChess Opening Puzzles

Robatsch Defense -  69 Puzzles - Dive deeper into the Robatsch variation with a dedicated set of tactical challenges specifically tailored to this sub-opening.

Modern Defense - 13,749 Modern Puzzles -Deepen your understanding with a vast collection of Modern Defense puzzles categorized by variations, allowing you to focus on specific areas of your game.  (Broken into 13 Variations on Main Puzzle Page)  

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Games Databases

365Chess.com

B06: Robatsch (modern) defence 1. e4 g6  -  54,000 Games   


B06 Sub-variants:

• Robatsch (modern) defence                                  Main Line 53901 Games

• 1. e4 g6

• Norwegian defence

• 1. e4 g6 2. d4 Nf6 3. e5 Nh5 4. g4 Ng7                    3 Games

• Robatsch (modern) defence

• 1. e4 g6 2. d4 Bg7                                                 Main Line

• Robatsch defence, three pawns attack

• 1. e4 g6 2. d4 Bg7 3. f4                                        1979 Games

• Robatsch defence

• 1. e4 g6 2. d4 Bg7 3. Nc3                                     2951 Games

• Robatsch defence, Gurgenidze variation

• 1. e4 g6 2. d4 Bg7 3. Nc3 c6 4. f4 d5 5. e5 h5      1142 Games

• Robatsch (modern) defence

• 1. e4 g6 2. d4 Bg7 3. Nc3 d6                                 Main Line

• Robatsch defence, two knights variation

• 1. e4 g6 2. d4 Bg7 3. Nc3 d6 4. Nf3                          7793 Games

• Robatsch defence, two knights, Suttles variation  

• 1. e4 g6 2. d4 Bg7 3. Nc3 d6 4. Nf3 c6                  2844 Games

• Robatsch defence, Pseudo-Austrian attack

• 1. e4 g6 2. d4 Bg7 3. Nc3 d6 4. f4                          7172 Games

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• Chessgames.com

• Robatsch (B06)   - 72 Annotated games

• Modern Defence - 10 Games with Different Plans in the Modern

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• Modern Defense Video Lessons

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• Modern Defense Opening Theory - 5 Video Playlist -  Hanging Pawns (Almost 2 hrs)
  Chess Openings: Learn to Play the Modern Defense! -6 Video Playlist  - Chess Giant (New - 6/4/24)
  
  

• Chess Openings: Learn to Play the Modern Defense! - 23 Min - Chess Giant 
  
  Chess Openings: Learn to Play the Modern Defense with …a6!!!! - 28 Min - Chess Giant - In this video, we look over some of the most dangerous concepts in chess openings for black including the Modern Defense, Pirc Defense, Czech Pirc Defense, and Hippopotamus Defense. These openings may be slightly different, but have many similarities in terms of overall chess opening ideas, chess opening strategy, and chess opening principles.
  
  How To Win with the Pirc & Modern Defenses - GM Fabien Libiszewski - 29 Min - In this video, Grandmaster and opening theoretician Fabien Libiszewski explores the many tactical opportunities and strategic plans available to Black in the Pirc and Modern defenses. It is a free preview of his brand new 8-hour in-depth training designed to give you a lifetime repertoire for Black.
  
  MODERN DEFENSE - GURGENIDZE VARIATION - 20 Min - Introduction to the Modern Defense - Gurgenidze Variation. 1. e4 g6 2. d4 Bg7 3. Nc3 c6. Learn how to play with Black pieces against e4 opening. Winning with the Modern Defense.
  
  TOP Opening TRAPS | 🔥🔥 | Hikaru Modern Defense 2021 - 5 Min - Black's set-up: Gurgenidze variation g7-g6 ,Bg7 with c7-c6 and d7-d5- Modern Defence Hybrid between Modern Defense and Caro-Kann where you can set opening traps early on for White. Win quickly with Black following online chess superstar GM Hikaru Nakamura.
  
  Beat the London system | Burn it down with the modern defense! - 19 Min - With all the talking and praising for the white side of the London System over the last years, it´s time to try to take it apart with black. And what better way to do it than simply using my favourite Modern Defense
  
  Beat the Jobava London with the Pirc/Modern Defense  - 17 Min - Last time i showed how to beat the traditional London system with the modern defense, and since then i found out that white often tries to counter my idea by using the Jobava system in the london, so today i bring you an antidote against that as well
  
  The Modern Defense | Play the modern by Shirov with ...c6 - 30 Min - Continuing with my favourite Modern defenses, here´s the one Shirov used to play regularly, making ...d6 and then the more unusual...c6, often with the idea of expanding the queen side pawns.
  
  The Modern Defense, Tartakower variation ( or the rat) - 30 Min - This opening was my bread and butter when i started playing chess, and it is now one that i still play and i do so with both colors. The interesting thing for me is to show you my whole story with it, playing it at first with black for more than 7 years, and after that resolving what to do against it with white. Enjoy!
  
  

• Play Against The Modern Lessons

• Universal Killer Attack vs Modern & Pirc!! - 13 Min IM Perunovic - Presents a chess strategy known as the Universal Killer Attack, which is effective against both the Modern and Pirc defenses. 
  
  Beat Modern Defense as White: Chess Opening Secrets - 3 Min - Coach Kestony - Discover the ultimate strategies to Beat Modern Defense in chess with this in-depth guide. Offers detailed insights and tactics for chess players looking to improve their opening game when playing as White. Learn how to gain an advantage from the start and outmaneuver your opponent in the Modern Defense opening
  
  Super Fast Analysis on Crushing The Modern Defense!! - 7 Min - IM Pernuovic
  
  
  GM Naroditsky - Naroditsky - Modern Defense - 6 Video playlist

Master Class | Crushing The Modern Defense | Chess Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 23 Min

CRUSHING the Modern Defense | Caro-Kann, Gurgenidze System | GM Naroditsky’s Theory Speed Run - 60 Min 

Beginner To Master | Chess Speedrun | C3 Vs Modern (Saragossa) | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 22 Min

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• Modern defense Game Videos (w/Analysis)

• Playlists

• Pirc and Modern Defence  -  113 Video playlist  - kingscrusher - Famous and Instructive Games with detailed analysis

Modern Defense   - 13 Video Playlist  - Jozarovs Chess Channel - Famous and Engine Games w/ analysis

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• GM Moulthun Ly 

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  When To Blow Open The Centre | Pirc/Modern Defence | Speed Run Series | GM Moulthun Ly - 13 Min - Key Takeaways: - Again value the Bishop pair even if the position is not yet fully open - Look for chances to open the centre especially if the opponents king is yet to
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  Preparing A Queenside Attack | Modern Defence | GM Moulthun Ly - 22 Min - Key Takeaways: - A fairly easy attacking setup for Black in this opening is to meet 0-0-0 with a c6-b5-Nd7-Qa5-Nb6 followed by Be6-Rb8-Nc4 attacking ideas - Delay your kingside knight development to stop Bh6 - Go for quick queenside counter play before White attacks on the kingside
  
  Spotting Weaknesses and Setting Up a Queen Trap | Modern Defence | Rapid Training Game - 28 Min -
  
  Unleashing Your Dark-Squared Bishop | Modern Defence Speed Run Series | GM Moulthun Ly - 7 Min - Hi guys, in this series we will do a speed run from Beginner all the way to Master explaining my thoughts along the way.
  
  
  

• GM Bok vs GM Hikaru | Modern Defense | Blitz Chess - 5 Min - GM Benjamin Bok
  
  Extremely Violent Modern Defense Caused The Fire On Board - 11 Min - Chess School - Ivan Sokolov vs Tiger Hillarp Persson Koge op 1997, DEN, rd 7 Modern Defense: Standard Defense (B06)
  
  Modern Defence : Aggressive Pawn Structure : Molina vs Shakhriyar Mamedyarov - Gibraltar 2012 - 20 Min

• THE BEEF EATER | Epic Opening for Black - 42 Min  GothamChess   (Plays 3 Games of this Variation)

• Magnus Carlsen plays the Modern Defence going into the Hippo || vs Kovachev 2003 - 9 Min

• Leela doesn't mind living dangerously | Stockfish vs Leela | Modern Defense - Averbakh System - 22 Min

• Modern Defence: Sokolov vs Shirov France 1994 - 7 Min

• Austrian Exchange Sac Brilliancy || Jovanovic vs Rapport || Modern Defence - 12 Min

• Positional masterpiece in Modern Defence: Schaufelberger vs Ljubojevic - 5 Min

• Amazing Chess Game: Wei Yi vs Magnus Carlsen : Bilbao (2016) · Modern Defense: (B06) - 21 Min

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