Slav Defense
ECO D10 · 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6
The Slav Defense, 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6, supports d5 with the c-pawn and keeps the c8 bishop free to develop. It is one of the most reliable defenses to the Queen's Gambit.
Plans for White
White plays Nf3 and Nc3, then often a4 to stop ...b5 after Black takes on c4, or e3 for a quieter setup. The Exchange Variation (cxd5 cxd5) gives a symmetrical structure with a small edge.
Plans for Black
Black develops the bishop to f5 or g4 before ...e6, giving a harmonious setup. In the main line Black takes on c4 and tries to hold the pawn or regain time with ...b5 and ...Bf5.
Typical pawn structures
The c6/d5 Slav chain with the e-pawn on e6 later. The Exchange gives a symmetrical structure with open c-file.
Who it suits
Solid players who want a sound defense without the passive bishop of the QGD.
Common traps
In some lines an early ...Bf5 allows Qb3, hitting b7; Black must know whether to defend with ...Qb6 or ...Qc7.
Variations
- Slav Defense: Czech Variation — 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. a4 Bf5
- Slav Defense: Exchange Variation — 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. cxd5
- Slav Defense: Quiet Variation — 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3
- Slav Defense: Winawer Countergambit — 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nc3 e5
- Slav Defense: Chebanenko Variation — 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 a6
- Slav Defense: Diemer Gambit — 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. e4
- Slav Defense: Modern Line — 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3
- Slav Defense: Bonet Gambit — 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Bg5
- Slav Defense: Breyer Variation — 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nbd2
- Slav Defense: Slav Gambit, Alekhine Attack — 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nc3 dxc4 4. e4
- Slav Defense: Three Knights Variation — 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3
- Slav Defense: Schlechter Variation — 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 g6
- Slav Defense: Süchting Variation — 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 Qb6
- Slav Defense: Two Knights Attack — 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4
- Slav Defense: Alapin Variation — 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. a4
- Slav Defense: Alekhine Variation — 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. e3
- Slav Defense: Geller Gambit — 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. e4
- Slav Defense: Smyslov Variation — 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. a4 Na6
- Slav Defense: Soultanbeieff Variation — 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. a4 e6
- Slav Defense: Steiner Variation — 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. a4 Bg4