by Victor Bologan, 238pp. (2008 New In Chess)
Chebanenko’s move 4…a6 in the Slav Defence has grown into one of the main systems for Black. It is an extremely flexible and almost universal weapon against the Queen’s Gambit.
The Chebanenko Slav is very popular among top players. Club and internet players like it because it offers Black solidity as well as active counterplay in all lines.
The Chebanenko Slav According to Bologan gives full coverage of all the variations starting with 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 a6 and the ultra-modern ideas behind this system.
It is written by a world-class player in a very accessible style and contains many tips, tests and tools.
Victor Bologan is one of the strongest grandmaster in the world. He has won many tournaments in his career, including Dortmund 2003, the Moscow Open 2003 (Aeroflot) and Mainz 2007.
From the Foreword by Alexey Shirov:
'Play 4...a6 in the Slav! I used to think it was a loss of tempo but it is not!'
John Saunders, British Chess Magazine:
"A very interesting book on this interesting system which has gained popularity over the past ten years or so. It is a well-researched book by a very strong player who has a growing reputation as an entertaining writer."
Arne Moll, ChessVibes:
"Extremely well-researched and written with a lot of passion."
Contents
Foreword by Alexey Shirov
Introduction
Part I – Various Replies on Move 5
- Chapter 1: The Exchange 5.cxd5
- Chapter 2: The Cunning 5.h3
- Chapter 3: The Uncommon 5.Qc2
- Chapter 4: Pressure on Black’s Pawns: 5.Qb3
- Chapter 5: Catalan-Style: 5.g3
- Chapter 6: Developing: 5.Bf4
- Chapter 7: The Rare 5.Bg5
Part II – Inserting 5.a4 e6
- Chapter 8: Catalan-Style: 6.g3
- Chapter 9: The Timid 6.e3
- Chapter 10: Pinning: 6.Bg
Part III – The Insidious 5.Ne5
- Chapter 11: The Forcing 5...b5
- Chapter 12: The Main Move: 5...e6
- Chapter 13: The Exchange 5...dxc4
- Chapter 14: Chebanenko’s Favourite: 5...Nbd7
Part IV – The Solid 5.e3
- Chapter 15: Minor Replies: 6.cxd5, 6.b3
- Chapter 16: Seizing Space: 6.c5 Various
- Chapter 17: Seizing Space: 6.c5 Nbd7
Part V – The Strategic 5.c5
- Chapter 18: The Provocation 5...Bg4
- Chapter 19: The Rare 5...g6
- Chapter 20: The Sortie 5...Bf5
- Chapter 21: Flexibility: 5...Nbd7 6.h3
- Chapter 22: Flexibility: 5...Nbd7 6.Bf4
Tests: Practical Examples
Index of Variations
Index of Players
Praise for the author’s book Victor Bologan: Selected Games 1985-2004:
Jeremy Silman, author of How to Reassess Your Chess:
"One of the best autobiographical game collections ever. His tales are fascinating, the games are sharp and full of beautiful ideas, his notes are top notch, and his desire to share his understanding of chess with the reader is moving and heartfelt.’
Harry Schaack, KARL Magazine:
"The didactic explanations show that the author is a chess coach (...) Bologan wants the reader to understand the structure of the position."
Jonathan Rowson, New In Chess Magazine:
"... Probably one of the finest games collections ever produced."
