The very closely linked Slav and Semi-Slav Defences are two of the most popular and combative openings that Black can play against the Queen's Gambit. They have provided the battleground for thousands of exciting encounters between the world's chess elite, including Garry Kasparov, Vishy Anand, Vladimir Kramnik, Alexei Shirov and Alexander Morozevich. Players of all levels are attracted to the Slav and the Semi-Slav because they are solid, dependable defences that do, however, promise abundant possibilities for dynamic counterplay.

In this easy-to-read guide, Grandmaster and openings expert Glenn Flear goes back to basics, studying the essential principles of the Slav and Semi-Slav Defences and their numerous variations. Throughout the book there are an abundance of notes, tips and warnings to guide the improving player, while key strategies, ideas and tactics for both sides are clearly illustrated.

• User-friendly layout to help readers absorb ideas

• Concentrates on the key principles of the Slav and Semi-Slav

• Ideal for the improving player

004 Bibliography

005 Introduction

Part 1: The Slav

009 1 The Main Line Slav: 5 a4 Bf5

035 2 Black's Fifth Move Alternatives

049 3 Gambit Lines: 5 e4, 5 Ne5 and 5 e3

066 4 The Quiet 4 e3

078 5 The Exchange Variation

090 6 The Chameleon Slav: 4...a6

106 7 The Slav with ...g7-g6

Part 2: The Semi-Slav

120 8 The Botvinnik Variation: 5 Bg5 dxc4

138 9 The Moscow Variation: 5 Bg5 h6

159 10 The Meran Variation

183 11 Black avoids the Meran

201 12 White avoids the Meran

223 13 Early Deviations

245 Quick Quiz

249 Index of Variations

252 Index of Complete Games