Slav Defense: Slav Gambit, Alekhine Attack

In the Slav Defense: Slav Gambit, Alekhine Attack, white begins with the move d4, aiming to control the center. This move attacks black’s pawn on d5, which is a key defense for black. White hopes to gain more space and prepare for possible attacks on the queenside or kingside. By playing d4, white also frees the way for the light-squared bishop to be developed. This move is a strong opening move for white, forcing black to respond and making it difficult for them to gain control of the center.

Black’s move to play d5 in response to white’s d4 aims to secure control over the center with a pawn. By occupying d5 with their pawn, black also discourages white from advancing their own pawn to e4. This move also prepares for the eventual development of black’s minor pieces and clearance of the queen for more active play. By matching white’s central pawn with their own, black also creates a pawn chain that can be difficult for white to break through. In sum, d5 is an important opening move for black, allowing them to take an equal share of the center and set the tone for the rest of the game.

White plays the move c4 with the intention of fighting for the control of the center and increasing their central space. This move allows white to develop their knight on c3 while also putting pressure on black’s pawn on d5 and limiting the mobility of their bishop on c8. By advancing the pawn to c4, white can also start to form a pawn chain that extends from c4 to e4, further consolidating their control of the center. By occupying more space in the center, white gains more options for their pieces to move and potentially launch attacks against black’s position. In sum, c4 is an important move for white, allowing them to gain a stronger foothold in the center of the board.

In the Slav Defense: Slav Gambit, Alekhine Attack, Black plays c6 after white's move c4, with the aim of fortifying their pawn on d5. This move also prepares for the development of black's bishop on c8, preventing potential threats from white's bishop on g5. By placing their pawn on c6, black also creates the option to push the pawn to c5 in the future, challenging white's control of the center. The move c6 also protects the pawn on d5 from attacks by white's queen and creates a potential barrier for white's pawn on c4. In sum, c6 is a solid move for black, further reinforcing their control over the center of the board.

In response to black's move c6 in the Slav Defense, white plays Nc3 aiming to develop their knight and further challenge black's hold on the center. By moving the knight to c3, white frees up the d-pawn, making it available for further advancement in the future. Additionally, the knight can potentially be used to support the advance of the d4-pawn or target the weak pawn on d5. By placing the knight on c3, white also prepares for potential attacks on the queenside, positioning the knight to support the advance of the pawns b2-b4 or a2-a4. In sum, Nc3 is a flexible and important move for white, preparing for numerous potential plans and helping solidify their control of the center.

In response to white's move Nc3, black decides to play dxc4 capturing the pawn on c4. By doing so, black aims to challenge white's control over the center and open up lines for their pieces. Capturing the c4-pawn also reinforces black's control over d5, making it more difficult for white to advance their pawns in the center. However, by capturing on c4, black moves their pawn forward early in the game, making it potentially vulnerable to attack in the future. In sum, dxc4 is a sharp and aggressive move, challenging white's central control but also potentially exposing black's position to danger.

In the Slav Defense: Slav Gambit, Alekhine Attack, after black's move capturing the pawn on c4, white responds with e4, advancing the pawn and further centralizing their position. This move aims to gain more control over the center and liberate their bishop on c1. Additionally, white's move e4 mobilizes their pieces and creates more opportunities for the queen, bishop and knight to access the rest of the board. However, by moving their pawn so aggressively, white also risks creating weak squares in their position. In sum, e4 is a dynamic move that signifies white's focus on actively seizing control of the board and seeking to launch counterattacks against black's position.