ECO D10 · for Black
Slav Defense
The line below is what Lichess 1600-1800 players actually play: after the opening's defining moves, each move is the most common choice at that point. The notes are Chessbook's move notes, the same ones shown while building a repertoire.
12,253,706 games in this band reached the Slav Defense position. From there Black won 45% and drew 5%.
1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Nf3 e6 5. Bg5 Be7 6. e3 O-O 7. Bd3 Nbd7 8. O-O
Moves 1 to 2
1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6
1. d4
The Queen's Pawn opening is more usually more positional in nature, White intends to develop the pieces while having a share of the center.
1... d5
Controlling the center and opening up the diagonal for the light-Squared bishop
2. c4
Immediately contesting the center. In most cases this is not a genuine gambit, since black can't retain the pawn without large concessions.
2... c6
Preparing to counterattack in the center with ...dxc4 and ...b5, a setup known as the Slav Defense.
Moves 3 to 4
3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Nf3 e6
3. Nc3
Developing and possibly preparing for e4 later.
- 3. Nf3: White keeps the tension in the center and develops a piece
- 3. cxd5: Capturing on d5 and playing a very solid and positional game.
- 3. e3: Strengthening the center and opening up the light-squared bishop so that it can develop.
3... Nf6
Developing the knight and overprotecting d5.
- 3... e6: Solidifying the center and overprotecting the d5 pawn. A very solid yet somewhat passive setup.
4. Nf3
Developing the knight while helping control d4 and e5, which are two key central squares.
- 4. Bg5: Developing the dark-squared bishop and threatening to double Black’s pawns.
- 4. e3: Strengthening the center while allowing the light squared bishop to recapture on c4 incase of dxc4.
4... e6
Creating a very strong center and overprotecting d5.
- 4... Bf5: Developing the bishop and fighting for control of the center. Black will likely play e6 to further strengthen the center.
Moves 5 to 6
5. Bg5 Be7 6. e3 O-O
5. Bg5
Developing the bishop while pinning the knight allowing for a possible e4 break.
- 5. e3: Supporting the center and protecting the c4 pawn.
5... Be7
6. e3
6... O-O
Moves 7 to 8
7. Bd3 Nbd7 8. O-O
7. Bd3
7... Nbd7
8. O-O
Plans for Black in this position
What Black usually does from here in Chessbook's games data. Hover a move to see it on the board.
- The light-squared bishop is typically fianchettoed on b7
- The pawn on d5 generally captures the pawn on c4
- Common pawn moves are h6, c5, b6, b5, and a6
Related opening guides
- Sicilian Defense for Black
- French Defense for Black
- Scandinavian Defense for Black
- Queen's Gambit for White
- Caro-Kann Defense for Black
- Scandinavian Defense: Mieses-Kotroc Variation for Black