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1.Opening

Slav Defense

You play BlackD18SolidIntermediate

Support d5 with ...c6, keeping the c8 bishop free. The Caro-Kann of 1.d4.

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 …

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Main Line: position after 9 moves1h2g3f4e5d6c7b8a
Main Line: position after 9 moves
2.Ideas

What the opening is about

Key ideas

  1. ...c6 supports d5 without locking in the light-squared bishop.
  2. Take on c4, then get the bishop out to f5 before ...e6.
  3. ...e6, ...Bb4, and ...O-O gives very harmonious development.
3.Main line

Main line · 17 moves

Main Line

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Your moves Opponent
No. White Black1
d4White claims the center. The d4 pawn is already protected by the queen.
d5Black claims an equal share and physically stops e4.
2
c4The Queen's Gambit: White attacks d5 from the side to pull it away from the center.
c6The Slav: supports d5 with a pawn while keeping the c8–h3 diagonal open.
3
Nf3Develops and protects d4.
Nf6Develops and adds a defender to d5.
After 3…Nf6
After 3…Nf6
No. White Black4
Nc3More pressure on d5.
dxc4Black takes on c4. Now ...b5 would hold the pawn, so White must react.
5
a4Stops ...b5 for good. The cost: White weakens b4.
Bf5The point of the Slav: the bishop comes out before ...e6 closes its path.
6
e3Opens the f1 bishop so it can recapture on c4.
e6Opens the f8 bishop — Black's setup is now complete and harmonious.
After 6…e6
After 6…e6
No. White Black7
Bxc4White wins the pawn back.
Bb4Uses the weakened b4 square to pin the c3 knight, which fights for e4.
8
O-OWhite castles.
O-OBlack castles. Every piece has found a good home.
9
Qe2White prepares e3–e4 to gain space and kick the f5 bishop.
After 9.Qe2
After 9.Qe2
4.Play

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5.More

More defenses against 1.d4