♘ Follow me on lichess (write, ask, challenge): [ Ссылка ]
😎 Become a Patron (extra daily content): [ Ссылка ]
💲 Support the channel: [ Ссылка ]
For an introduction to the Slav Defense, watch this video on the basics: [ Ссылка ]
The Slav Defense branches out into several key variations. White is the first one to choose. He can meet the Slav with Nf3, Nc3, e3 or taking on d5. Playing Nf3, the most natural move, leads to the main lines of the opening. After black plays Nf6, and white plays Nc3, we come to the main branching of theory. If black now plays e6, closing the pawn triangle down, we have entered the Semi-Slav. The Slav can be played three different ways; the main line is dxc4, preparing to develop the bishop to f5 without dire consequences. Two main alternatives are a6, the Chameleon variation, and g6, Schlechter variation.
The Chameleon Variation of the Slav is, as the name says, very versatile and adaptable. By playing the move a6, black is ready to play several different types of positions and several different strategic plans. Most of them will revolve around the taking of the c4 pawn (or potential taking), and around the c8 bishop and whether it’s developed before or after the move e6.
The downside of this flexible plan for black is that white has six different sensible moves he can try and counter it with. All six are different and lead to completely different types of positions. Some are more positional, some are more aggressive. Most of them, though, don’t result in crazy positions in which every move counts, so the Chameleon can be considered one of the most peaceful variations of the Slav Defense.
Several moves for white are almost an invitation to an equal position with a symmetrical pawn structure or even a move repetition (c5, e3, g3). If you are white and you are trying to win, make sure to avoid them! If you are black, and you are playing a lower rated player, either avoid the Chameleon, or find a way to complicate the positions after all six moves white can choose from.
#chess
