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)

Why is The Slav The Best Beginner Opening vs 1.d4 - 12 Min - ChessCoach Andreas - we dive into why the Slav Defense is considered one of the best opening for beginners against 1.d4. (New 7/8/2024)

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)

Playlists

• 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

Babson Task

 A Babson task is a direct-mate chess problem with the following properties:

   1.  White has only one key, or first move, that forces checkmate in the stipulated number of moves.

   2.   Black's defenses include the promotion of a certain pawn to a queen, rook, bishop, or knight. (Black may have other defenses as well.)

   3.  If Black promotes, then White must promote a pawn to the same piece to which Black promoted in order to complete the solution.

Babson Task Wikipedia Page

Combining 4 promotions from black with 4 echo promotions from white was the Holy Grail of chess for over a century. The greatest composers failed to compose this task. Then there was a 26 year old soccer trainer from Russia, who realized the impossible: Leonid Yarosh (source: De man die de Babson Task wilde maken - Tim Krabbé)

Articles Revisiting Tim Krabbé and Babson - Chessbase Article The perfect Babson - Chessbase Article

Babson Task - Very Nice Academic Kids Article Explaining the different types of Babson problems and History. LiChess Study THE BABSON TASK - 6 Chapter Study w/ Leonid Yarosh Composition and Bachmann Composition Videos The impossible Babson Task - 17 Min Video A Chess Composition Masterpiece ♚ The Babson Task ♚ Leonid Yarosh, 1983 - 12 Min The Most MARVELOUS Position to Ever Grace the Chess Board - 14 Min

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

Hippopotamus Defense: A Solid & Surprising Weapon for Black (A00)

Unleash the Power of the Double Fianchetto!

This post dives deep into the Hippopotamus Defense (A00), a unique and flexible opening system for Black. Want a solid yet dynamic opening that keeps your options open? The Hippo might be perfect for you!

What You'll Learn Here:

This comprehensive guide equips you with everything you need to master the Hippopotamus Defense:

• Understanding the Hippo: We'll explore the core concepts and strategic ideas behind this exciting opening.

• Free Resources Galore: Dive into a treasure trove of free resources to enhance your Hippopotamus knowledge, including articles, annotated games, video lessons, and interactive studies.

• Dominate Your Opponents: Learn how to utilize the Hippo's double fianchetto structure and control the center for a powerful middlegame.

• Fight Like a Champion: Discover strategies for both playing the Hippo as Black and facing it as White.

 Hippopotamus Wikipedia Page

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Books (Free)

Get Started with the Hippo for Free!

The Hippopotamus Defence: Free Lesson - (Free Chessable Course) - This interactive course on Chessable introduces you to the Hippopotamus Defense with 15 trainable variations to solidify your understanding.

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Hippopotamus Defense Chess Articles

This section curates insightful articles to guide you through the Hippopotamus Defense:

• Starting out the Hippopotamus defence -  This article provides a beginner-friendly introduction to the Hippo, including 10 annotated games to illustrate key concepts.
  
  
• Hippopotamus, Anyone? - This article offers a clear explanation of the Hippopotamus Defense with a well-annotated game for practical application.
  
  
• The Double Fianchetto Solution - GM Alex Colovic's Blog  -- In this article, Grandmaster Alex Colovic showcases the Hippo's potential with 5 games he played as Black using this dynamic opening.

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Hippo LiChess Studies

Master the Nuances of the Hippo with Interactive Studies:

• Hippo Defence -  9 Chapter study -This study lays the foundation, guiding you through the Hippo setup, standard positional breaks, and analyzing 7 famous games with annotations to enhance your understanding.
  
  
• Hippopotamus Defense - 14 Chapter Study - Delve deeper with this in-depth study covering the Hippo setup, valuable strategic tips, alternative Black move orders, and exploring 11 annotated games to broaden your strategic arsenal.
  
  
• Destroying fast games with the Hippopotamus Opening - 9 Chapter Study -Unleash the aggressive potential of the Hippo! This study explores the exciting Garcia Variation (fianchettoing the bishop to b7, rook on a7, and queen on a8) with 9 illustrative games featuring this powerful setup.

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Games Databases
Chessgames.com Collections

Explore a variety of Hippopotamus Defense games to enhance your strategic understanding:

• Hippopotamus Defence - 38 Games - Delve into a collection of 38 games featuring the Hippopotamus Defense in action. Analyze how different players handle this opening and uncover strategic themes.
  
  
• Hippopotamus: The Resurgence - 16 Game - Witness the Hippopotamus Defense's comeback in popularity! This collection showcases 16 games where the Hippo has been employed in recent chess.
  
  
• Modern/ Hippo - 16 games - See how the Hippopotamus Defense can arise from the Modern Defense opening. This collection explores 16 games that demonstrate this opening transition.

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Hippopotamus Defense Video Lessons

Explore a comprehensive video library covering the Hippopotamus Defense at all skill levels:

Hippopotamus Defense Series - 22 Video Playlist - Chessgiant - Dive deep into the Hippo with this comprehensive playlist covering theory, personal and grandmaster games, key principles, and strategic ideas.

Chess Openings: Learn to Play the Hippopotamus Defense - 13 Min Chessgiant - Unleash the Hippo! This video explores the setup, common plans, and surprising attacking potential of this flexible opening.

Hippopotamus Defense (Setup, Ideas, and Examples) - Chess Openings - 14 Min - Chess Geek -Master the core concepts of the Hippo. Learn how it controls the center indirectly and explore example games featuring this unique approach.

Andrew Martin - The Hippopotamus system of defense - 14 Min Chessbase -Get a sneak peek into IM Andrew Martin's course on the Hippopotamus Defense system.

Hippopotamus system|Universal chess opening|Nona Gaprindashvili - 26 Min - Witness a masterclass in the Hippo as World Chess Champion Nona Gaprindashvili demonstrates its effectiveness.

Play the Hippopotamus with black! - 30 Min - Is the Hippo right for you?  I give you Super Gm games and engine analysis against all these different approaches by white.

Palm Beach Chess

Welcome to the Palm Beach Chess Beginner Chess Openings Series on the Hippo! Learn the Hippo step-by-step with this beginner-friendly series. Each part focuses on a specific strategic idea.

Universal Chess Opening: The Hippo Beginner Ideas Series Part 1 - 23 Min
Universal Chess Opening: The Hippo Beginner Ideas Series Part 2 - 13 Min
Universal Chess Opening: The Hippo Beginner Ideas Series Part 3 - 14 Min
Universal Chess Opening: The Hippo Beginner Ideas Series Part 4 - 17 Min
Universal Chess Opening: The Hippo Beginner Ideas Series Part 5 - 15 Min
Universal Chess Opening: The Hippo Beginner Ideas Series Part 6 - 23 Min
Universal Chess Opening: The Hippo Beginner Ideas Series Part 7 - 32 Min

Double Fianchetto

Dominate with the Double Fianchetto! IM Valeri Lilov (Webinar Replay) - 55 Mins - Unlock the secrets of the Double Fianchetto system, a rising star in chess openings, with IM Valeri Lilov's free webinar replay. Learn aggressive strategies, positional dominance techniques, and how to exploit a central advantage for powerful attacks.

Spike Ernst
The highly flexible “double fianchetto system” has almost ZERO theory and allows you to easily learn the PLANS of elite GMs to gain an easy advantage!  This system offers a low-theory approach with high potential for gaining an advantage.

• Double Fianchetto System with GM Sipke Ernst - Part 1 - 19 Min
  
• Double Fianchetto System with GM Sipke Ernst - Part 2 - 41 Min

Crack the Hippopotamus!

Learn strategies to dismantle the Hippopotamus Defense with expert guidance. 

• How to Fight the Hippopotamus Defense - 21 Min - ChessNetwork - Learn how to exploit weaknesses and develop a plan to crack the Hippo.
  
  
• Slay the Hippopotamus 🦛 | Prepare Like A Pro - GM Elshan
   Moradiabadi - 52 Min - St Louis Chess Club - GM Elshan Moradiabadi reveals methods to overcome the solid Hippopotamus Defense.
  
  
• How to beat Fianchetto Defences in Chess. The two Fianchettos (part 1) - 42 Min - EndGame Strategies -  These video parts explore strategies to defeat openings featuring double fianchetto setups (bishop placements on b7 and g7 for Black). Gain an edge by exploiting weaknesses and securing a positional advantage.
  
  
• How to beat Fianchetto Defences in Chess. The two Fianchettos (part 2) - 9 Min - EndGame Strategies

Hippo Game Videos (W/Analysis)

Don't Mess With The Hippo - 4 Min IM Eric Rosen - See IM Eric Rosen crush a lower-rated opponent with an aggressive Hippo display in a blitz game.

Magnus Carlsen plays the Modern Defence going into the Hippo || vs Kovachev 2003 - 8 Min - FIDE CM Kingscrusher - Analyze a game where Magnus Carlsen employs the Hippo after opening with the Modern Defense.

learn the HIPPOPOTAMUS with HIKARU's games ! | Double Fianchetto - 4 Min - Study 3 games from Hikaru Nakamura showcasing attacking strategies with the Hippo.

Winning With Hippopotamus Defense | Laszlo Barczay vs Borislav Ivkov: Sousse Interzonal 1967 - 4 Min - Chess School Lecture - Explore a classic game featuring a victory with the Hippopotamus Defense.

How to beat Hikaru's Hippo Opening: 2019 FIDE Chess World Cup Round 1.2 - 16 Min Chess.com - Witness Parham Maghsoodloo dismantle Hikaru Nakamura's favorite opening in a blitz game analyzed by IM Danny Rench.

Praggnanandhaa Faces The Most Solid Hippopotamus Defense - 6 Min - Analyze a dramatic super blitz game where Praggnanandhaa overcomes a well-structured Hippo.

Double Fianchetto Beautiful Attacking Chess! : Stockfish 8 vs Leela ID 514 - 15 Min - kingscrusher analysis - Witness an exciting attacking game featuring the Double Fianchetto system, related to the Hippo.

Taming the Hippo Defense | Develop Your Instincts | GM Naroditsky's DYI Speedrun - 55 Min - Playing 3 Games with Deep Analysis of Each.

IM John Bartholomew Games 
(All Games analyzed by IM Bartholomew as well, can hear his thought process as he plays with an analysis after each game)

• Standard Chess #49: FM Alex Dunne vs. IM Bartholomew (Double Fianchetto) - 43 Min
• Blitz Chess #306: IM Le Quang Long vs. IM Bartholomew (Double Fianchetto) - 12 Min
• Blitz Chess #269: IM David Strauss vs. IM Bartholomew (Double Fianchetto) - 18 Min
• Blitz Chess #237: IM Bartholomew vs. GM Zong-Yuan Zhao (Double Fianchetto) - 14 Min

 

Additional Resources

Interested in learning more about the Modern Defense, a close relative to the Hippopotamus Defense? Check out our archive on The Modern Defense Chess Opening: Modern Defence (Robatsch Defence) B06

The Modern Defense and the Hippopotamus Defense share strategic concepts and pawn structures. Exploring the Modern Defense can offer valuable insights for playing the Hippopotamus effectively.