Slav Defense position after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6. White: pawn on c4, pawn on d4, pawn on a2, pawn on b2, pawn on e2, pawn on f2, pawn on g2, pawn on h2, rook on a1, knight on b1, bishop on c1, queen on d1, king on e1, bishop on f1, knight on g1, rook on h1. Black: rook on a8, knight on b8, bishop on c8, queen on d8, king on e8, bishop on f8, knight on g8, rook on h8, pawn on a7, pawn on b7, pawn on e7, pawn on f7, pawn on g7, pawn on h7, pawn on c6, pawn on d5.
Slav Defense is a chess opening that arises after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6. It is classified D10 in the ECO system, and the position after these moves has white to move. The Slav Defense supports the d5 pawn with c6 rather than e6, which keeps the light-squared bishop free — the central point of the whole system, and the reason many players prefer it to the Queen's Gambit Declined.
This position can also be reached by 2 other move orders, including 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nc3.
Strategic character
Black often follows with dxc4 and b5 to hold the pawn temporarily, gaining time to develop the bishop outside the pawn chain. The resulting positions are solid but less passive than the Declined, with the c8 bishop playing an active role.
Who should play it
Players who want the solidity of the Queen's Gambit Declined without locking in the light-squared bishop.
Variations continuing from this position
Each of these is a named opening reached by playing on from 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6. Open any of them to load the position on the board.
The Slav Defense is a chess opening that arises after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6. It is classified D10 in the ECO system. The Slav Defense supports the d5 pawn with c6 rather than e6, which keeps the light-squared bishop free — the central point of the whole system, and the reason many players prefer it to the Queen's Gambit Declined.
What are the moves of the Slav Defense?
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6. After these moves it is white to move.
Is the Slav Defense good for beginners?
Players who want the solidity of the Queen's Gambit Declined without locking in the light-squared bishop.
What variations come from the Slav Defense?
Named continuations include Slav Defense: Diemer Gambit, Slav Defense: Exchange Variation, Slav Defense: Modern Line, Slav Defense: Winawer Countergambit, Slav Defense: Bonet Gambit. There are 40 named variations reachable from this position in total.