♚ blackD10-D19

Slav Defense

The Slav Defense (1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6) supports the d5 pawn with ...c6, keeping the light-squared bishop free to develop outside the pawn chain. It's one of the most popular responses to the Queen's Gambit.

Variations

About the Slav Defense

The Slav combines the solidity of the QGD with the advantage of keeping the light-squared bishop free. After 2...c6, Black can later play ...Bf5 or ...Bg4 without blocking it behind the e6 pawn. The main lines include the Main Line Slav (3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4), the Exchange Slav, and the Quiet Slav. It has been a favorite of Euwe, Smyslov, and many modern GMs.

Key Ideas

2...c6 supports d5 and keeps the Bc8 free
...Bf5 develops the bishop before ...e6
After ...dxc4, Black can play ...b5 to hold the pawn
The Slav avoids the problem of the locked-in bishop from the QGD
Solid and reliable at all levels

Related Openings

Queen's Gambit Declined Semi-Slav Defense Queen's Gambit Caro-Kann: Classical

Ready to master the Slav Defense?

Import this one or your own lines from YouTube, Lichess, or PGN and train with spaced repetition.