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Ponderchess / Slav Defense

Exchange Variation

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.cxd5 cxd5. A symmetrical structure with an open c-file, where White keeps the extra tempo and Black must not copy White's moves for too long.

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.cxd5 cxd5

Step through it in the Slav Defense explorer →

Key ideas

  • The main line runs 4.Nc3 Nf6 5.Nf3 Nc6 6.Bf4. Black then chooses between 6...Bf5 (the Symmetrical Line), 6...e6 and 6...a6. Full symmetry is hard to keep, because White moves first on the open c-file.
  • After 6...Bf5 7.e3 e6 8.Qb3, White attacks b7, which the bishop on f5 no longer protects. The Trifunovic Variation, 8...Bb4, answers with a counterattack on c3.
  • 6...a6 keeps the bishop at home until White commits, and takes b5 away from White's pieces. 6...e6 accepts a slightly passive bishop for a very solid position.
  • The Boor Attack, 4.Nc3 Nf6 5.f3, prepares e4 to change the structure, giving White a central majority rather than a symmetrical game.

Plans for White

Develop with Nc3, Nf3 and Bf4, then use the extra tempo on the c-file with Rc1, and on the queenside with Qb3 against b7. A knight on e5, supported by the bishop on f4, often gives White the initiative.

Plans for Black

Choose a setup that gets the light-squared bishop out before ...e6, or one that keeps White's pieces off b5 with ...a6. Contest the c-file quickly with ...Rc8, and trade White's most active pieces, for example with ...Ne4.

For the wider picture, see the Slav Defense guide.

6 named lines of the Exchange Variation