← Slav Defense

Practice: Classical Slav

The main line with dxc4 and a4

The most important Slav line. Black gives up the centre temporarily, develops the bishop to f5 before ...e6, and challenges White's position with a pin on Nc3.

1. d4 d5
2. c4 c6
3. Nf3 Nf6
4. Nc3 dxc4
5. a4 Bf5
6. e3 e6
7. Bxc4 Bb4
8. O-O Nbd7
♟

Interactive practice board - requires JavaScript.

Use a chess board to memorise this line move by move. Your moves are checked against the correct sequence, with hints, a streak goal, and progress tracking.

Enable JavaScript or return to the opening page to see all available lines.

Key strategic ideas

  • The key advantage of the Slav over the QGD is that Black develops the light-squared bishop outside the pawn chain (Bf5 or Bg4) before playing ...e6.
  • Black aims to control the centre from the side, often targeting White's pawn structure on c4 and the d4-e4 centre.
  • The Slav can lead to many different structures, from open tactical battles to closed manoeuvring positions.

Common mistakes & traps

  • In the Classical Slav (4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4), Black should not try to hold the pawn with ...b5 — White plays a5 and the b-pawn becomes a fatal weakness.
  • The so-called "Slav Trap" (1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 6.e3 e6 7.Bxc4 Bb4 8.O-O Nbd7??) allows 9.Ng5! with a crushing attack on f7.

Pawn structure notes

The Slav typically features a d5 pawn supported by c6, against White's pawns on d4 and c4. White often aims for e3-e4 expansion. In the Exchange Slav (cxd5), the structure is symmetrical with active piece play.

Tips

  • Black's Bf5 before ...e6 is the key idea — the bishop is free and active
  • White gains space on the queenside with a4-a5 and aims for e4
  • Karpov and Kramnik have both played this line with great success

About this line

This line is rated intermediate. Practice it repeatedly until you can play the entire sequence without thinking. The in-app trainer tracks your perfect streaks and celebrates milestones.