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Welcome text
Course Outline
Uploading the PGN
PGN File Downloads
Bonus PGN: Caro-Panov
Quick Start Video
PGN Download
Semi-Slav Note Boom Variation Repertoire Video
Semi-Slav Marshall Gambit Repertoire Video
QGD Exchange Repertoire Video
Dutch Stonewall & Catalan Repertoire Video
Slav Exchange Repertoire Video
London System Repertoire Video
Other Queen Pawn Repertoire Video
Reti (1.Nf3) Repertoire Video
English (1.c4) Repertoire Video
Other First Moves Repertoire Video
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Siddharth
dynamic slav
really confusing , there should be some thumb rules when to play e6 before c6 when should we go for dutch defence
Dennis
Great course!
I have studied various repertoires on Chessable, but have found them difficult to retain and master. I prefer the philosophy that underlies all of the ChessGoals courses on the chess openings: (1) a limited number of variations (approx. 100), (2) that attempt when possible to seize the initiative, (3) that are easy to learn and remember, (4) in proportion to the frequency with which they occur in practice at club level, including typical mistakes made by club players, and (5) with a plan at the end of each variation. Bravo!
Aaron
Great course
I really like this Slav course. Good info, and it’s broken down to give you a solid start on the sometimes complex theory against the D4 opening. I like how Matt and Jesse are having fun explaining every move. Comic relief at times can break up the seriousness.
Brock
I now enjoy playing against 1. d4
Facing 1.d4 is the most daunting task in chess, but now I actually enjoy it! I have long been interested in the Noteboom variation of semi-slav defense, but had always felt too overwhelmed to learn it properly. That's where this course comes in. I really appreciate the direction Matt and Jesse took with their approach to this opening. This course is a practical, efficient and effective. They did a great job curating the lines to maximize the success for club players, focusing heavily on lines club players will actually see in their games (as opposed to 2700+ GM battles). The course focuses on ways to actively fight white's plans, while maintaining consistent approaches to most things you will face. The ChessGoals opening courses avoid trading down into dull endgames, tending to only recommend queen trades when the position leaves us good chances to play the endgame for a win. This approach helps make the memorization of lines easier. One overarching theme I really appreciate in the ChessGoals opening courses is a focus on active play. As an adult improver, this is something I had struggled with in the past. These courses encourage me to go out of my comfort zone and play more active/fighting chess from a position of strength - this has been a good confidence booster for me. Another bonus is that the opening presented in this course pairs really well with the Caro-Kann course, with substantial cross pollination of ideas and even some transpositions. I am currently playing a repertoire entirely based on ChessGoals courses.(London/Caro/Slav). It has saved me a ton of time and has improved my understanding of chess in general. I can't recommend highly enough!
Filip
Just what I was looking for!
Perfect to see most common opponent mistakes in addition to computer lines, this has already benefitted me to many quick wins in positions I would previously think was drawish. In situations where opponents don’t do mistakes, the course leaves you off with a rough idea in each position of what to do which is very helpful. Also, I had some questions and the coach ( Matt) was very quick to respond and explain. Would definitely recommend!
George
Great Course
I am really impressed with the courses presented by Matt and Jesse, and I like the way they explain and recommend the moves and concepts.
Michael
Dynamic Slav Opening
Great course, interesting to know that both Caro Kann and Slav Defense is similar. And I love the dynamic lines as from the dynamic slav course. keep it up.
Josh
Great course!
Jesse and Matt are hilarious to listen to and blend expertise with practical experience. I love how this opening gives Black positions that are both solid and aggressive. I also like how they use the database to track the most popular responses (good and bad). I've had great results after a lot of struggles against 1. D4.
Jonathan
Great Course!
I have spent so much time struggling to figure out what to play and these courses took all that worry and stress away from me. And unlike so many other courses, this one covers lines that people at my club actually play instead of only the stuff GMs play which has been a huge help!
Isaac
Great presentation style, opening lines and plans!
I've left a similar review on another course, but I really have to complement the choice of openings, and especially the way Matt and Jesse present the course, with Jesse as the 'learner', asking Matt some questions I myself might be thinking about, especially in weird looking lines. I also used one of the lines taught in the Catalan chapter in my recent tournament against a higher rated player by 200 points, and while I did not win, I got a really nice position out of the opening with winning chances (which I sadly did not capitalize on), so definitely this course is a 5/5 from me!
Cameron
Flexible and Fun
Another reason why this opening is my favorite against 1.d4. You’ll have the options of playing a more peaceful game with a variation like the Meran or you can go for the sharp and aggressive Triangle setup recommended by this course. If you’re looking to take White out of their comfort zone while having a great time, this repertoire will surely help achieve that. Whether you have a positional or tactical style, this opening will help you gain a newfound perspective of dynamic play.
Stephen
Love the course so far
I haven't finished the course, yet. There's a lot of good information so far. And, what I've played, has been a lot of fun.
Jonathan
Matt and Jesse do it again!
I've had their Caro course for a while now and love it, and this is every bit as good. I'd never played the Slav at all and knew nothing about it. They made it clear and easy to pick up with similar ideas running through the multiple lines. Great course, Thanks guys!
Sean E
Best Course for Learning the Slav Defense
I used to play the Nimzo setup against d4 but switched to the Slav using the ChessGoals course. My results could not have been better! My win rate has gone up considerably and I was recently able to draw a 2200 opponent at a local tournament. This opening provides a solid response to d4 with lots of little tricky moves to take your opponent out of preparation. I bought this course initially for refuting the London System, but have now adopted it for the other d4 variations. I recommend using the Chessable site to upload your lines since it provides a great way to practice anywhere (you can also edit the variations if desired). The number of variations is manageable and Matt's video explanations crystallize the concepts. Knowing why you are doing something is just as important as what you are doing!