The Slav: Move by Move Answer: Black's e-pawn is not so weak, and like in a favourable French Defence, it can easily be defended. Also, White is burdened with many pawn weaknesses: 1. An isolani on d4; 2. Potential infiltration spots along the c-file; and 3. A potentially bad bishop. 18.08 By all appearances Black looks healthy here. After all, he has a good bishop, control over b4, potential on the queenside against White’s weaknesses, and lastly Black’s king looks as safe as can be. 19 Sha! Oops! Maybe | was a bit hasty to say Black’s king was safe! White plans to launch a big attack with Hg1 and g4, and his queenside be damned! 19..He8 20 gal ah “5 aay - “ai8 ‘a A, REIS om ‘a ee ES ae a eee ea eee Uae cu RCL Pau RIEU ea uP Cura Lace Answer: 20...h6? blows up on Black big time because Topalov had no intention of re- treating and planned 21 Dxe6! Dxeé 22 gxfs Df8 23 Hg1. White’s rolling pawns and open g-file give him a vicious attack for the piece. 20...Wd7 21 Bg1 2e7 22 Af3! White needs the knight in the attack and keeps pieces on the board. 22...2e4 Attacking a4. 23 Hg2! 26