The bullet-proof Semi-Slav: a complete answer to 1.d4
The Lifetime Repertoires series is a landmark in the history of Chessable. It is the most ambitious series we have undertaken.
In this, GM Sam Shankland's Semi-Slav repertoire for Black, our author has strived to create a complete opening course that will stand the test of time. It will never go out of fashion because it is always in fashion.GM Sam Shankland is a world-leading expert in the Semi-Slav and a huge name in chess. Not only is the 2018 US Champion a top player active and at his prime at the elite level, but he has proved an inspiring and hugely instructive coach.
My goal is to give you an opening that you can play forever. The Semi-Slav is, in my opinion, the best opening available against 1.d4.
- GM Sam Shankland
GM Shankland has created a first-rate opening repertoire based on arguably the best defense to 1.d4 that is designed to last.
Under the hood, GM Shankland has included:
✔️ A QuickStarter Guide to get you going;
✔️ Early sidelines dealt with;
✔️ Veresov, London and Exchange Slav;
✔️ All 4th and 5th move deviations discussed;
✔️ The Delayed and Open Meran;
✔️ 22 model games analyzed.
At almost 500 variations, GM Shankland's course is undoubtedly large. However, few of the directions he has chosen lead to long forcing variations and there isn't a ton of theory.
Lifetime Repertoires: Semi-Slav is comprehensive but it avoids complications. It is designed to be practical, but prompt you to look deeper.
GM Shankland's primary aim was to find the "sweet spot" between ease and ambition without cutting corners that will offer you longevity in your opening choice.
Here is a balanced repertoire designed to get you playing quickly but keep you interested over, potentially, an entire lifetime playing chess.
