Slav Defence

ECO D10–D19 · Level: Intermediate · Also known as: Yarı Slav, Semi-Slav

The Slav (1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6) defends d5 with c6 while keeping the light-squared bishop free. It is a solid yet dynamic answer to the Queen's Gambit.

Position at the end of the main line

Main line

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 Bf5

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History

Named for the Slavic masters—Alekhine, Euwe, Botvinnik—who developed it, it is among the most reliable defences at the top level.

White's plan

  • Maintain the centre and gain space with e4.
  • Play a4 to stop Black holding c4 with ...b5.

Black's plan

  • The bishop goes to f5 or g4, then ...e6 completes a solid set-up.
  • The Semi-Slav (...e6 and ...c6) leads to very dynamic play (Meran, Botvinnik).

Key variations

Main line (4...dxc4)

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

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Semi-Slav: Meran

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.e3 Nbd7 6.Bd3 dxc4 7.Bxc4 b5

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Who should play it?

For players looking for a solid but not passive defence against 1.d4.

Frequently asked questions

What separates the Slav from the Semi-Slav?

In the Slav Black develops the bishop before ...e6; in the Semi-Slav ...e6 comes early and the play is sharper.

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Related openings

  • Queen's Gambit — The Queen's Gambit (1.d4 d5 2.c4) offers the c-pawn to lure Black's d5 pawn away from the centre.
  • Caro-Kann Defence — The Caro-Kann (1.e4 c6) supports ...d5 with c6 to build a very solid centre while keeping the light-squared bishop outside the pawn chain.
  • London System — The London System sets up the same solid structure (d4, Bf4, e3, c3, Nf3, Nbd2) almost regardless of Black's moves.

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