Chebanenko Slav (4...a6) is variation 5 of 6 in the Slav Defence course, a intermediate opening course for Black (ECO D15). It runs 22 moves and begins 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 a6 …. Black plays the useful waiting move ...a6, preparing ...b5. Against 5.e3 Black grabs queenside space with ...b5, swaps the c8 bishop for the f3 knight and builds a solid ...e6 structure. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. d4 – White takes the centre.
1... d5 – Black matches.
2. c4 – The Queen's Gambit.
2... c6 – The Slav.
3. Nf3 – Develops.
3... Nf6 – Develops.
4. Nc3 – More pressure on d5.
4... a6 – The Chebanenko: prepares ...b5, gaining space or taking on c4 with support.
5. e3 – Calm: White supports d4 and keeps the centre closed.
5... b5 – Gains queenside space and threatens ...bxc4 or ...dxc4 with a protected pawn.
6. b3 – Keeps c4 supported, so ...dxc4 or ...bxc4 does not win a pawn, and prepares Bb2 or Bd2.
6... Bg4 – Develops actively and pins the f3 knight before playing ...e6.
7. h3 – Asks the bishop to decide.
7... Bxf3 – Gives up the bishop pair but damages nothing; Black gets a solid light-square structure.
8. Qxf3 – Recaptures with the queen.
8... e6 – Now ...e6 is fine: the bishop is already out and traded.
The lesson goes on for 6 more moves, each with its explanation.
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