"In this book Grandmaster Matthew Sadler explains the strategy and tactics of this perennial favorite. Through the use of model games for both sides, the author provides a thorough grounding in the key ideas, so that readers can quickly and confidently start to use the Slav in their own games."

When I got this book in the mail several months ago, I read this blurb on the back cover, turned to page 22 and checked out a pawn sacrifice that I often accept as Black (1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 6.e3 e6 7.Bxc4 Bb4 8.0-0 Nbd7 9.Qe2 Bg6 10.e4 Bxc3 11.bxc3 Nxe4 12.Ba3), and finally grunted in disgust when Sadler said: "Black's position is horrible!"

Tossing this book aside for many months (insult my line, will he!), I ignored it until a Slav question once again made me crack open its cover and peer inside. A while later I realized that I had been completely unfair to this fine little book!

Though hardly detailed in scope (this was not its intention), The Slav gives you everything it promised on the back cover, and quite a bit more! Carefully chosen games illustrate modern theory and the plans for both sides, while Sadler explains ideas, positional concepts and tactics in clear, easy to understand language. The author (ELO 2650) even goes out of his way to recommend new moves and, more often than not, never hesitates to give a detailed explanation of some profound strategic concept.

This is the best introduction to the Slav that I've ever seen. Clear, concise and honest, it really does make you want to play a Slav at the first opportunity! Sadler's done a great job here and I look forward to other books by this promising author.

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