Slav Defence

The Slav defence is an important reply to 1d4. It is popular with top players. The Slav usually begins:

1.d4 d5
2.c4 c6 (this is the characteristic move of the Slav)
3.Nf3 Nf6
4.Nc3 (see diagram)
Other fourth moves for White are 4.e3, 4.cxd5 and 4.Qb3.

 The Slav proper 
Now 4...dxc4 is the Slav:

 Mainline 
This line was explored in two world championship matches between Alekhine and Euwe in 1935 and 1937.

5.a4 Bf5
6.e3 e6
7.Bxc4 Bb4
8.0-0 0-0

 Slav Gambit 
5.e3 or e4 
with 5...b5 Black keeps the pawn

 The Semi-Slav 
4...e6 is the Semi-Slav:

 The Russian variation 
Sometimes called the Botvinnik variation.

5.Bg5 dxc4
6.e4 b5
7.e5 h6
8.Bh4 g5
9.Nxg5 hxg5
10.Bxg5 Nbd7
11.exf6 Bb7
12.g3 Bb7

 The Meran defence 
5.e3 Nbd7
6.Bd3 dxc4
7.Bxc4 b5
8.Bd3 Bb7
9.0-0 a6
10.e4 c5

 References 
Matthew Sadler 1997. The Slav. Chess Press, Brighton
Matthew Sadler 1998. The Semi-Slav. Chess Press, Brighton.

Category:Chess openings