Slav Defense
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6
Play Through the Opening
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Moves
- 1.
- 2.
- 3.
- 4.
- 5.
Move 10 of 10
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 (Main Slav), or 4...e6 (Semi-Slav, leading into the Meran or Botvinnik variations)
Core Ideas
Slav is a response to Queen's Gambit that supports d5 with c6 pawn (the e6 approach is French style, so distinct as Slav). Slav's main advantage: c8 bishop not trapped, can move actively to f5 or g4. Used consistently by Botvinnik and Kramnik at championship level. Semi-Slav (with e6) is the most complex variation with hundreds of theory lines.
Plan for White
Rebuild center with e3 then maybe e4 push. Activate pieces via classical development: Nc3, Nf3, Bd3, O-O. Long-term: minority attack a4-b5 or kingside expansion.
Plan for Black
Activate c8 bishop to f5 or g4 before e6. Castle fast and maintain solid structure. If Semi-Slav: structure develops to imbalanced with opportunistic tactical shots.
Grandmaster Tier Context
T2 Club through T5 Master. Slav fits beginners wanting a defense against 1.d4 without falling into the French bishop problem. Semi-Slav is specifically for T4 plus due to tactical complexity.