Closed games

Slav Defense

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6

The Slav Defense starts with 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 and is catalogued under ECO D10, in the closed games half of the book. The catalog indexes 52 lines inside it, grouped into 43 named variations.

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Current setup

Move ideas

  1. 1.d4

    Takes central space with a protected pawn and frees the queen’s bishop.

    Idea: Build a stable center that supports a broad positional setup.

  2. 1…d5

    Mirrors White’s central claim and prevents an easy e4 expansion.

    Idea: Establish a firm center and develop behind the pawn chain.

  3. 2.c4

    Advances the c-pawn to gain queenside space and control new squares.

    Idea: Create useful wing space while keeping the central structure flexible.

  4. 2…c6

    Advances the c-pawn to gain queenside space and control new squares.

    Idea: Create useful wing space while keeping the central structure flexible.

  5. 3.e4

    Advances to e4 to claim central space and control nearby key squares.

    Idea: Give the pieces room to develop behind a durable central foothold.

Book continuations

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0 moves
This is the end of the indexed line.

Named variations

Each line below is an indexed entry under Slav Defense. Open one to load it on the board and keep exploring from that position.

19 more named lines sit inside this family — the tree above walks all of them.

Openings from the same volume

ECO groups openings by the structures they lead to, so these families tend to share plans with the Slav Defense.