The Slav [Paperback]

Matthew Sadler (Author)

Book Description

Series: Chess Press Opening Guides | Publication Date: March 1, 1997

A new title aimed at club and tournament chess players which explains how to apply the Slav Defence. Draws upon model games to highlight basic theoretical elements, practical strategies, and tactics used, as well as recent alternative variations.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

The Slav Defense (1 d4 d5 2 c4 c6) has been one of Black's most reliable defenses to the queen's pawn since its adoption by World Champions Alekhine and Euwe in the 1930s. Nowadays it is very popular both at grandmaster level (it is used regularly by Ivanchuk, Lautier and Short) and with club players. In this book, Grandmaster Matthew Sadler explains the strategy and tactics of this perennial favorite. Through the use of model games for both sides, the author provides a thorough grounding in the key ideas so readers can quickly and confidently start to use the Slav in their own games. Also included is a survey of the trendy new 1 d4 d5 2 c4 c6 3 Nf3 Nf6 4 Nc3 a6 variation.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Everyman Chess; 1st edition (March 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1901259005
• ISBN-13: 978-1901259001
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,172,661 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Gem: Well-Organized, Balanced, Useful, January 5, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Slav (Paperback)

Grandmaster Sadler uses 88 model tournament games by himself, Anand, Shirov, Kasparov, Kramnik, etc., to illustrate the strategy and tactics for both sides in the Slav (1 d4 d5 2 c4 c6). He annotates the games unusually well: asking (and answering questions), discussing (in words!) various positions, and giving alternative move sequences. Sadler's introductory chapter is particularly useful for less-experienced non-master players as it provides a thorough, simple overview of the Slav's aims, move-orders, and typical positions. The chapters organize the Slav: "the old main line" (3 Nf3 Nf6 4 Nc3 dc 5 a4 Bf5 6 e3 e6 7 Bc4 Bb4 8 0-0) where Black either fights to prevent e4 or allows e4. Following that, is the "new main line" (3 Nf3 Nf6 4 Nc3 dc 5 a4 Bf5 6 Ne5)where Black fights for control of e4 or counterattacks. There is a chapter on the Smyslov variation (5 a4 Na6) and one on the Bronstein variation (5 a4 Bg4). Two chapters cover the 4...a6 Slav where white plays 5 e3 and other, aggressive options for white. The exchange variation, regarded as very drawish, appears in the ninth chapter,with the plans for white/black players who want a victory. Move orders and transpositions, along with odds and ends, complete the last 2 chapters. This is not a repertoire book that covers every possible variation/move-order, so if you're concerned with having a quick reference, you might get Nunn's Chess Openings. However, this book really does qive you the positions, plans, aims of the Slav thoroughly - you'll have an idea of what to do in most cases.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Slav book rules., January 24, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Slav (Paperback)

A previous reviewer (2 items down) has already described in detail the chapter format and the various advantages of this stellar book. You must read that review too.

So I want to answer the question "WHICH Sadler book should I buy?" given that he has written great books on the Slav, Semi-Slav and QGD. In my opinion, if you are preparing you main defence to 1 d4 from scratch get the Slav book, because:

(a) White has a much more limited range of options and therefore you have to learn less disparate lines. (b) The games in this book are a lot shorter than the ones in the QGD book, so it is quicker to work through. (c) 1 d4 Players (in England anyway)tend only to know the first five or six moves of theory and make the rest up. This is probably not the case for continentals.

Hope this helps you decide.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great book for slav beginners., October 16, 2004

By 

Anthony (PARRISH, FL, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Slav (Paperback)

This is a great first book on the Slav. Sadler's writing is witty and humorous making the book a pleasure. Sadler is big on the themes and ideas behind the various lines in the Slav. He is a little short on detailed analysis (which I won't remember anyway). This book will not appeal to players over 1800 USCF. However if you, like me, are just an average club player who needs a solid but active defense against 1. d4, this is a great book.