Slav Pawn Structure Flashcards
Set up the Slav pawn structure from White’s perspective
Set up the Slav pawn structure from Black’s perpsective
Set up the reversed Slav pawn structure from White’s perspective
Set up the reversed Slav pawn structure from Black’s perspective
What is the difference between the Caro-Kann pawn structure and the Slav pawn structure?
In the Caro-Kann pawn structure, White has a c-pawn. In the Slav structure, he has an e-pawn.
What are White’s four plans in the Slav pawn structure?
- Push e5
- Kingside pawn storm
- Queenside minority attack
- d5 explosion
What are Black’s four plans in the Slav pawn structure?
- c5 break
- Chigorin’s e5 plan
- f5+Nd5 central control
- Attack d4
What are White’s two goals when pushing e5?
- Attack the king
- Get a piece on the d6 hole
What are the differences between the d5 explosion in the Caro-Kann and the Slav?
No differences, same plan.
What are the three options for White when Black pushes c5?
- dxc5
- Push d5
- Play e3 and allow an exchange
Describe the pawn structure after White meets the c5 break with dxc5
Symmetrical
Why might White be happy with the position after meeting the c5 break with dxc5?
He can still push e5
What is the advantage for Black after White responds to the c5 break with d5?
He has an advanced Queenside pawn majority.
What is the typical preparation for Black before playing c5? Play these moves and c5 on the board.
a6, b5, Bb7.
How might the Slav transition into an IQP?
Black plays c5 break, White plays e3, exchange.
If Black plays the e5 break and White tries to ignore it with e3, what option does Black have?
Going into a reverse e5 wedge formation with an e4 push
If White allows an e4 push after the e5 break, how does he stop Black from solidifying with f5?
Pin the f7-pawn to the king with Bc4.
In what situation does Chigorin’s e5 plan apply?
Slav where White pushes e4.
What are White’s two options after Chigorin’s e5 plan?
- Push d5
- Allow an exchange and push f4+e5.
What two conditions make White’s plan of allowing the exchange after Chigorin’s e5 plan especially good?
- White has control of the open d-file
- Black can not maintain pressure on the e-file
What are Black’s 3 options after White responds to the e5 break by pushing d5?
- Swap on d5
- Allow an isolating exchange on c6
- Push c5
What are the two possible pawn structures after Chigorin’s e5 plan, White pushes d5, Black exchanges?
- If White takes back with the pawn, an advanced passed pawn.
- If White takes back with a piece, symmetrical.
Why shouldn’t Black get too excited about the symmetrical structure coming from Chigorin’s e5 plan cxd5?
White’s pieces are usually on better squares.
What is Black’s plan, in Chigorin’s e5 plan, after White pushes d5 and Black allows an isolating swap on c6?
Attack the king.
Why is the isolated c6 pawn from Chigorin’s e5 plan actually good for Black in the middlegame?
It keeps White’s pieces off of d5 and b5.
How do Black’s knights attack the king in Chigorin’s e5 plan after the isolating c6 swap? Play these maneuvers on the board.
- Nd7-f8-g6
- Nf6-h5-f4
Why might Black push c5 after White responds to the e5 break with d5?
To try and blockade the d6 pawn.
What are three White options in Chigorin’s e5 plan after Black responds to d5 with c5?
- Attack the king
- Try to contest d6 with pieces
- Push d6 as a sacrifice to open lines
