Slav Pawn Structure

Question 1

Set up the Slav pawn structure from White’s perspective

Answer 1

Question 2

Set up the Slav pawn structure from Black’s perpsective

Answer 2

Question 3

Set up the reversed Slav pawn structure from White’s perspective

Answer 3

Question 4

Set up the reversed Slav pawn structure from Black’s perspective

Answer 4

Question 5

What is the difference between the Caro-Kann pawn structure and the Slav pawn structure?

Answer 5

In the Caro-Kann pawn structure, White has a c-pawn. In the Slav structure, he has an e-pawn.

Question 6

What are White’s four plans in the Slav pawn structure?

Answer 6

1. Push e5
2. Kingside pawn storm
3. Queenside minority attack
4. d5 explosion

Question 7

What are Black’s four plans in the Slav pawn structure?

Answer 7

1. c5 break
2. Chigorin’s e5 plan
3. f5+Nd5 central control
4. Attack d4

Question 8

What are White’s two goals when pushing e5?

Answer 8

1. Attack the king
2. Get a piece on the d6 hole

Question 9

What are the differences between the d5 explosion in the Caro-Kann and the Slav?

Answer 9

No differences, same plan.

Question 10

What are the three options for White when Black pushes c5?

Answer 10

1. dxc5
2. Push d5
3. Play e3 and allow an exchange

Question 11

Describe the pawn structure after White meets the c5 break with dxc5

Answer 11

Symmetrical

Question 12

Why might White be happy with the position after meeting the c5 break with dxc5?

Answer 12

He can still push e5

Question 13

What is the advantage for Black after White responds to the c5 break with d5?

Answer 13

He has an advanced Queenside pawn majority.

Question 14

What is the typical preparation for Black before playing c5? Play these moves and c5 on the board.

Answer 14

a6, b5, Bb7.

Question 15

How might the Slav transition into an IQP?

Answer 15

Black plays c5 break, White plays e3, exchange.

Question 16

If Black plays the e5 break and White tries to ignore it with e3, what option does Black have?

Answer 16

Going into a reverse e5 wedge formation with an e4 push

Question 17

If White allows an e4 push after the e5 break, how does he stop Black from solidifying with f5?

Answer 17

Pin the f7-pawn to the king with Bc4.

Question 18

In what situation does Chigorin’s e5 plan apply?

Answer 18

Slav where White pushes e4.

Question 19

What are White’s two options after Chigorin’s e5 plan?

Answer 19

1. Push d5
2. Allow an exchange and push f4+e5.

Question 20

What two conditions make White’s plan of allowing the exchange after Chigorin’s e5 plan especially good?

Answer 20

1. White has control of the open d-file
2. Black can not maintain pressure on the e-file

Question 21

What are Black’s 3 options after White responds to the e5 break by pushing d5?

Answer 21

1. Swap on d5
2. Allow an isolating exchange on c6
3. Push c5

Question 22

What are the two possible pawn structures after Chigorin’s e5 plan, White pushes d5, Black exchanges?

Answer 22

1. If White takes back with the pawn, an advanced passed pawn.
2. If White takes back with a piece, symmetrical.

Question 23

Why shouldn’t Black get too excited about the symmetrical structure coming from Chigorin’s e5 plan cxd5?

Answer 23

White’s pieces are usually on better squares.

Question 24

What is Black’s plan, in Chigorin’s e5 plan, after White pushes d5 and Black allows an isolating swap on c6?

Answer 24

Attack the king.

Question 25

Why is the isolated c6 pawn from Chigorin’s e5 plan actually good for Black in the middlegame?

Answer 25

It keeps White’s pieces off of d5 and b5.

Question 26

How do Black’s knights attack the king in Chigorin’s e5 plan after the isolating c6 swap? Play these maneuvers on the board.

Answer 26

1. Nd7-f8-g6
2. Nf6-h5-f4

Question 27

Why might Black push c5 after White responds to the e5 break with d5?

Answer 27

To try and blockade the d6 pawn.

Question 28

What are three White options in Chigorin’s e5 plan after Black responds to d5 with c5?

Answer 28

1. Attack the king
2. Try to contest d6 with pieces
3. Push d6 as a sacrifice to open lines