1.d4 — the closed and Indian games
Slav, Chebanenko Variation
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 a6ECO D15
A flexible modern Slav where Black plays the useful …a6 early, preparing …b5 to grab queenside space and free the light-squared bishop. Solid yet ambitious, the Chebanenko has become a popular way to play the Slav for a win without committing the structure too soon.
Key ideas
- …a6 prepares …b5 (and …Bb7/…Bg4), expanding on the queenside and solving the Slav's bad bishop.
- Black keeps the structure flexible, choosing between …dxc4 with …b5 or a solid …e6 setup.
- It's a low-risk, high-flexibility Slav that keeps winning chances alive.
Who it suits
Slav players who want a flexible, modern line with queenside expansion and winning chances.
Add it to your repertoire.
Drill the Slav, Chebanenko Variation move by move against the board until it's second nature.
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