Chess Opening Theory/1. d4/1...d5/2. c4/2...c6/3. Nf3/3...Nf6/4. Nc3/4...dxc4/5. a4/5...Bf5/6. Ne5/6...e6/7. f3/7...Bb4

Slav defence Wiesbaden variation D17 Central variation 7...Bb4 Black makes use of the weakened b4-square, pressuring the knight on c3 and gaining a bit more control over e4. The main line continues with /8. e4/, also known as the Sharp line. Black has to sacrifice their light-squared bishop for three pawns if they want to retain any winning chances. /8. Nxc4/ is White's main alternative, avoiding many of the complications that ensue from 8. e4. The position branches out after Black castles. 8. Bg5 is a rare continuation that has lost it's popularity over time. Usually Black responds with 8...h6, which gives their light-squared bishop a nicer square to go to if e4 happens. Theory table 8. e4 Bxe4 9. fxe4 Nxe4 10. Bd2 Qxd4 11. Nxe4 Qxe4+ 12. Qe2 Bxd2+ 13. Kxd2 Qd5+ 14. Kc2 + 8. Nxc4 O-O 9. Kf2 + 8. Bg5 h6 9. Bh4 c5 + References