Don Chess

Learn the Slav Defense

Like a wall: …c6 supports d5 without locking in your light-squared bishop. Solid, but with bite.

You play with Black. How you learn it with Don Chess: watch first, then play it with an arrow, then from memory – with spaced repetition until it sticks. Free, no sign-up.

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The main line

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 6.e3 e6 7.Bxc4 Bb4 8.O-O

D19 · Slav Defense: Czech Variation, Dutch Variation

The position after the main line

The moves explained

Why is each move played? The explanations come from the opening trainer – there you play the moves yourself afterwards.

  1. 1.d4 Occupies the centre with a pawn on d4.
  2. 1…d5 Occupies the centre with a pawn on d5.
  3. 2.c4 Gambit: the pawn on c4 is offered – for quick development and open lines.
  4. 2…c6 Supports the pawn on d5 – the centre stands firm.
  5. 3.Nf3 Develops the knight to f3 – pieces out first, then attack.
  6. 3…Nf6 Develops the knight to f6 – pieces out first, then attack.
  7. 4.Nc3 Develops the knight to c3 – pieces out first, then attack.
  8. 4…dxc4 Takes the pawn on c4.
  9. 5.a4 Gains space with the pawn on a4.
  10. 5…Bf5 Develops the bishop to f5 – pieces out first, then attack.
  11. 6.e3 Supports the pawn on d4 – the centre stands firm.
  12. 6…e6 Opens the way for the bishop on f8.
  13. 7.Bxc4 Takes the pawn on c4.
  14. 7…Bb4 Develops the bishop to b4 – pieces out first, then attack.
  15. 8.O-O Castles: the king is safe and the rook joins the game.

Idea and plans

The idea

…c6 supports d5 without shutting in the c8 bishop. The Semi-Slav adds …e6 – very compact.

Plan for White

Expand in the centre with e3/e4 and use the space.

Plan for Black

Develop the bishop to f5 or g4 (Slav), or seek counterplay with …dxc4 and …b5 (Meran).

The 9 lines in the course

Grey: the moves shared with the main line. Bold: the move where the line leaves it.

Train the Slav Defense now →

More openings