Category Archives: Playing the Semi-Slav

Visit the Bibliography for recommended reading relating to playing the Semi-Slav as Black.

Playing the Semi-Slav: White’s 5th Move Alternatives

So far in this series I have been looking at the various ways to reach the basic starting position of the Semi-Slav, which arises after 1 d4 d5 2 c4 c6 3 Nf3 Nf6 4 Nc3 e6. Now I’ll turn … Continue reading

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Playing the Semi-Slav: Nimzo Move Order

The final move order for reaching the Semi-Slav I want to consider runs 1 d4 Nf6 2 c4 e6 3 Nf3 d5 4 Nc3 c6. I refer to this move order as the Nimzo move order, as it involves playing … Continue reading

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Playing the Semi-Slav: Triangle Move Order

The main alternative to the traditional move order for reaching the Semi-Slav is 1 d4 d5 2 c4 e6 3 Nc3 c6 4 Nf3 Nf6. The system where Black plays …d5, …e6 and …c6 prior to (or even without) …Nf6 … Continue reading

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Playing the Semi-Slav: Traditional Move Order

The traditional move order for reaching the Semi-Slav is 1 d4 d5 2 c4 c6 3 Nf3 Nf6 4 Nc3 e6. In this order, Black initially keeps open the option of developing his queen’s bishop to f5 or g4. If … Continue reading

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Playing the Semi-Slav: Overview

The post is the first in a series in which I look at building a repertoire against 1 d4, 1 c4 and 1 Nf3 based on the Semi-Slav Defence. The basic starting position of the Semi-Slav can be reached via … Continue reading

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