Chess Opening Theory/1. d4/1...d5/2. c4/2...c6/3. Nf3/3...Nf6/4. cxd5

Slav defence D13-D14 4. cxd5 · Exchange variation After this move, the tension in the center is relieved, often allowing Black equality. Because of this, this variation often ends in a draw. Black's only decent move is to complete the exchange of pawns with 4...cxd5. After the exchange, Black will find it difficult to win unless White is overly ambitious. The most draw-ish line of them all is the symmetrical line. Black keeps copying White and both sides exchange minor pieces: 4...cxd5 5. Nc3 Nc6 6. Bf4 Bf5 7. e3 e6 8. Bd3 Bxd3 9. Qxd3 Bd6 10. Bxd6 Qxd6 11. O-O O-O . Most players agree to a draw in this or any of the following positions. Theory table 0 Symmetrical line 4. ... cxd5 5. Nc3 Nc6 6. Bf4 Bf5 7. e3 e6 8. Bd3 Bxd3 9. Qxd3 Bd6 10. Bxd6 Qxd6 11. O-O O-O Trifunovic variation 4. ... ... 5. ... ... 6. ... ... 7. ... ... 8. Qb3 Bb4 9. Bb5 O-O 10. O-O Bxc3 4. ... ... 5. ... ... 6. ... a6 7. e3 Bg4 8. Be2 e6 9. O-O Bd6 10. Bxd6 Qxd6 4. ... ... 5. ... ... 6. ... e6 7. e3 Bd6 8. Bxd6 Qxd6 9. Bd3 O-O 10. O-O Bd7 References