Slav Defense D10

D — Closed & semi-closed · Family: Slav Defense

1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6

The Slav Defense (1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6) is one of the most solid defenses in chess: Black supports d5 without shutting in the light-squared bishop, keeping a healthy structure and full flexibility. World champions from Euwe to Kramnik and Carlsen have relied on it in critical games.

Black's main set-ups are the pure Slav with ...Nf6 and ...Bf5 or ...a6, the flexible Chebanenko ...a6 system and lines that keep the Semi-Slav option open. White plays 4.Nc3 Nf6 5.Nf3 or the calm 4.e3, aiming for the minority attack or central e4 breaks. Recurring themes: the b5/c4 pawn tension, bishop-versus-knight endgames and patient maneuvering — the Slav rewards deep strategic understanding.

Play through the moves on the board above, explore the variations tree below — click any move of any branch — then test yourself against the engine from the position you picked.

Position after 4 half-moves — White to move.
Material is balanced.
Family “Slav Defense” contains 52 recorded variation(s) here.

Variations tree of the Slav Defense family

Click any move to jump to that position; switch branches at any point with the alternative moves. Test your knowledge plays the shown position against the engine.

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52 variations of “Slav Defense” · win% from 1.5M rated games · ♞ Test your knowledge vs engine

Variations of this family

Name	ECO	Main line length
Slav Defense	D10	5 plies
Slav Defense	D10	6 plies
Slav Defense: Diemer Gambit	D10	5 plies
Slav Defense: Exchange Variation	D10	5 plies
Slav Defense: Exchange Variation, Boor Attack	D10	9 plies
Slav Defense: Slav Gambit, Alekhine Attack	D10	7 plies
Slav Defense: Winawer Countergambit	D10	6 plies
Slav Defense: Winawer Countergambit, Anti-Winawer Gambit	D10	7 plies
Slav Defense: Bonet Gambit	D11	7 plies
Slav Defense: Breyer Variation	D11	7 plies
Slav Defense: Modern Line	D11	5 plies
Slav Defense: Modern Line	D11	10 plies