Slav Defense
Defend d5 without locking in the light-squared bishop. The Slav is famously tough to crack and a favorite of world champions.
Let's begin.
Press Learn to start, then play the moves yourself.
Play pawn to d5.
Variations in this course
Every line runs to a middlegame position with coach commentary at each fork. Playing Black, you'll meet:
- 1
Main Line ...dxc4
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 9.Qe2 Bg6 10.e4
- 2
Czech / ...a6
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 a6
Take it with you
Export this repertoire as a standard PGN — with the coach's notes as comments — to study it in Lichess, ChessBase, or any board you like. Sidelines are saved as PGN variations.
Related courses
More from the Queen's Gambit Family.
Queen's Gambit Accepted
One of the simplest, most reliable ways to meet 1.d4: equalize fast with clear ideas instead of a mountain of theory.
Catalan Opening
A powerful positional weapon for White. The fianchettoed bishop on g2 exerts long-term pressure on the center and queenside for the entire game.
Semi-Slav Defense
A rock-solid yet combative answer to the Queen's Gambit. Black builds a ...c6/...e6 fortress and grabs the bishop pair with a timely ...dxc4.
Queen's Gambit Declined
The most classical, respected defense to 1.d4. Black declines the gambit, builds a solid structure, and equalizes with precise piece play.