Slav DefenseD13

Exchange Variation, Schallopp Variation

1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 Bf5 5. cxd5 cxd5 6. Nc3

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Every move explained, never a dead end.

Both sides plans

White's plan

Occupy the center, develop quickly, castle, then pick a wing.

Black's plan

Contest the center before White occupies all of it.

The line, move by move

1. d4d4 occupies the center.
... d5d5 occupies the center.
2. c4c4 strikes at the center.
... c6c6 controls d5.
3. Nf3Nf3 develops the knight and controls d4 and e5.
... Nf6Nf6 develops the knight and controls e4 and d5.
4. e3e3 controls d4.
... Bf5Bf5 develops the bishop and controls e4.
5. cxd5cxd5 captures a pawn, strikes at the center.
... cxd5cxd5 captures a pawn, occupies the center.
6. Nc3Nc3 develops the knight and controls e4 and d5.

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Other major variations

The complete Slav Defense guide See all 52 variations in the branch map

Exchange Variation, Schallopp Variation (D13) · Slav Defense · OpeningMate