Chebanenko Slav for Black - Part 2: Completing the Repertoire
Twenty years of practical refinement, now brought to completion. GM Vladimir Malakhov, one of the world's foremost Chebanenko experts, returns to finish what Part 1 began.
Where the first volume covered White's most critical tries—5.c5, 5.e3, and 5.g3—this second part closes every remaining door. The anti-Chebanenko systems, the sidelines, the move-order tricks that strong players use to avoid main theory: all of them are met with concrete solutions.
This is not supplementary material; this is the completion of a professional repertoire that has weathered decades of grandmaster practice.
A Collaboration Spanning Generations
Malakhov prepared this volume together with FM Nikita Fedotov, a young analyst with a peak rating of 2345 who has worked through each line with fresh eyes and modern engine understanding.
Fedotov revised and updated several chapters against the latest developments from 2025-2026, bringing a sharpness to the analysis that complements Malakhov's strategic depth.
GM Pier Luigi Basso, who co-authored Chebanenko Slav for Black - Part 1, continues his editorial role here, ensuring that both volumes form a seamless whole.
The result is a repertoire that combines long-term practical experience with cutting-edge theoretical accuracy.
What the Course Covers
The structure is methodical. After 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nc3 Nf6, White's two main deviations are examined:
4.e3 a6 (Chapters 1-4)
- 5.Qc2 → Chapter 1 (sidelines), Chapter 2 (mainline 10.c5)
- 5.Bd3 → Chapter 3
- 5.a4 → Chapter 4
- 5.b3 → Chapter 4
- 5.c5 → Chapter 4
4.Nf3 a6 (Chapters 5-10)
- 5.a4 → Chapter 5
- 5.Ne5 → Chapter 6
- 5.Qc2 → Chapter 7
- 5.Bf4 → Chapter 8
- 5.Bg5 → Chapter 8
- 5.Qb3 → Chapter 9
- 5.h3 → Chapter 10
The final chapter on 5.h3 receives full attention. This is the fashionable modern system, currently favored by engines and increasingly common in practice. Malakhov and Fedotov treat it with the depth it deserves.
Course Features
The package includes everything needed for systematic study and long-term retention:
- 10 Chapters
- 20 Test Positions
- Memory Booster
- To Go Version of every chapter
- Video instruction
- Multilingual PGN availability (English, German, French, Spanish)
Each chapter pairs detailed analysis with practical testing. The Memory Booster reinforces key ideas, while the To Go versions allow quick review before tournament games.
Ready to Complete Your Repertoire?
If you studied Part 1, this volume is the natural continuation. If you are building a Chebanenko repertoire from scratch, both parts together give you everything you need.
The Chebanenko has served Malakhov for over two decades at the highest level. Now the full picture is available.