The Modern Stonewall: Completing the Triangle Slav Arsenal
When GM Valery Kazakouski and GM Pier Luigi Basso released Triangle Slav for Black - Part 1, they armed club players and professionals alike with the Marshall Gambit and the Noteboom—two aggressive systems where Black seizes the initiative from the opening moves. Now comes the natural question: what happens when White declines the confrontation? When they choose e3 instead of accepting complications, when they opt for Catalan structures or other "quiet" setups hoping to neutralize Black's ambitions?
Triangle Slav for Black - Part 2 answers this question with a bold proposition: transform these supposedly calm positions into a superior version of the Stonewall structure. The key insight is simple yet profound—by reaching the f7-f5 structure through the Triangle Slav move order, Black obtains a Stonewall where White's pawn is already committed to e3. This seemingly small detail fundamentally alters the character of the position. Where traditional Stonewall setups often struggle against White's space advantage and piece pressure, this version gives Black cleaner development, better piece coordination, and genuine winning chances.
A Complete Repertoire Against "Safe" Systems
Kazakouski and Basso have structured the course around Black's most principled responses to White's quiet tries. The repertoire map reveals the strategic logic:
After 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 c6:
- 4.e3 f5 — The superior Stonewall (Chapters 1-6)
- 5.Bd3 Nf6 6.Nge2 — Flexible setup (Chapter 1)
- 5.Nf3 Nf6 — White's most common approach (Chapter 2)
- 5.Nf3 Nf6 6.Bd3 Bd6 7.Qc2 — Meeting the b2-b3 and Ba3 plan (Chapter 3)
- 5.g4 — White's sharpest attempt for complications (Chapter 4)
- 5.f4 — Closed Stonewall structures (Chapter 5)
- Early Nbd2 systems — Handling White's alternative development (Chapter 6)
- White plays 3.Nf3 before Nc3:
- 4.g3 dxc4 — Taking the Catalan pawn without hesitation (Chapter 7)
- 4.Qc2 dxc4 5.Qxc4 Nf6 — Exploiting the early queen sortie (Chapter 8)
- 4.Bg5 and other sidelines (Chapter 9)
- 4.cxd5 exd5 — The improved Carlsbad structure (Chapter 10)
The authors' philosophy runs through every line: Black doesn't merely equalize—Black fights for the advantage. Against the Catalan, there's no passive defense of d5; Black grabs the c4-pawn and proves the compensation is insufficient. Against e3 systems, the f7-f5 thrust establishes active piece play and central control that White struggles to contain.
Course Features
- 10 Chapters
- 30 test positions
- Basso's 15-minute video overview
- Memory Booster
- To Go Version of every chapter
- Video instruction
- Multilingual PGN availability (English, German, French, Spanish)
Building on Part 1
Combined with Triangle Slav for Black - Part 1, this course delivers a complete Triangle Slav repertoire. Where Part 1 tackled the sharp Marshall and Noteboom variations, Part 2 ensures that White's "safe" alternatives lead nowhere. The two courses work in tandem—if your opponent wants tactical complications, Part 1 shows the way; if they seek quiet maneuvering, Part 2 demonstrates how the superior Stonewall gives Black the better game.
The Triangle Slav has remained underestimated at every level of chess. Most opponents simply don't know what's coming, and the gap between Black's preparation and White's over-the-board improvisation shows quickly. Whether you're looking to expand your repertoire or need a reliable weapon with the black pieces, this course provides the technical foundation and strategic understanding to turn 1.d4 into a genuine contest.