Slav Defense Guide

The Slav Defense is a chess opening for Black that starts with the moves 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6

When playing the Slav, Black and White know that the game will be closed and strategic.

Most chess grandmasters like playing the Slav Defense.

In fact, in the 2006 World Chess Championship match, the Slav Defense 8 times, always by Vladimir Kramnik, who ultimately won the match and became world champion.

The main advantages of playing the Slav Defense for Black are:

• Strong center.
• You free the light-square Bishop.
• Solid position against the Queen’s Gambit.
• Possibility to play for the win.

Now, the disadvantages:

• The pawn on b7 is weak.
• Black can’t play c5 without losing a tempo.
• Passive opening.

Main Line in the Slav Defense

The most played first moves at master level are the following:

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6

It’s Slav Defense time!

3.Nf3 Nf6

Developing the Knights.

4.Nc3 e6

White continues developing pieces, and Black decides to support the center. But with 4…e6, the light-squared Bishop is no longer able to be developed properly. At least for now.

5.e3 Nbd7

With 5.e3, White allows the light-squared Bishop to move freely, but forces the dark-squared Bishop to stay put.

6.Qc2 Bd6

7.Bd3 O-O

Both sides are close to finishing their development.

Pure Slav Defense

In the pure Slav Defense, the light-squared Bishop always moves to f5 or g4.

This is one of the most active variations in the Slav Defense.

Play usually continue like this:

Chebanenko Slav

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 a6

In the Chebanenko Slav, Black decides to plan an early …a6 that will help to support the move …b5.

Play can continue like this:

5.e3 b5 6.b3 Bg4 7.Be2 e6 8.O-O Nbd7

Semi-Slav

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 e6

In the Semi-Slav, or Slav Triangle, Black immediately plays …e6, strengthening the center but depriving the light-squared Bishop to go to f5 or g4.

Watch IM Milovan Ratkovic analyze the Semi-Slav:

Get the full course here.

Exchange Slav

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 dxc4

The Exchange Slav is the most drawish of the Slav variations.

Play is simplified right away and makes it very difficult for both sides to attack.

Model Games

Chess Courses

Slav Defense Mastermind with IM Milovan Ratkovic

Other Chess Articles

Best Chess Openings for Beginners

Queen's Gambit Declined

How Do You Get Better at Chess (10 Practical Tips)

D10 Sub-variants:

• Queen's Gambit Declined Slav defence
  1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6
• Queen's Gambit Declined Slav defence, Alekhine variation
  1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nc3 dxc4 4. e4
• Queen's Gambit Declined Slav, Winawer counter-gambit
  1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nc3 e5
• Queen's Gambit Declined Slav defence, exchange variation
  1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. cxd5