Chess Opening Theory/1. d4/1...d5/2. c4/2...c6/3. Nc3/3...dxc4

Slav defence Slav defence D10 3...dxc4 This move captures the gambit pawn. Since White's knight on c3 is exposed to attacks by Black's b-pawn, Black can often safely over-extend with moves like a6 and b5 to keep a hold of the c-pawn in this line. This move is lesser seen than the main line 3...Nf6. From here, White has several replies: /4. e4/ - The most common reply, White gains a significant space advantage in the center but White's c3 knight loses access to e4 as a retreating square. /4. e3/ - Slightly less common, White still advances in the center, but keeps the e4 square open for the c3 knight to retreat to. /4. a4/ - Uncommon, White prevents Black's ...b5, but allows Black to fight in the center with e5. Black tends to do well in this variation. /4. Nf3/ - Uncommon, White focuses on development with their g1 knight. There is a trap following 4. e3 b5, where the move 5. Nxb5?, trying to exploit the h1-a8 diagonal is a mistake which gives Black the advantage after 5...cxb5 6. Qf3 Qc7! 7. Qxa8 Bb7 as White has to sacrifice material in order to avoid Black winning the Queen. Theory table 4. e4 b5 5. a4 b4 6. Nb1 Ba6 7. Qc2 Qxd4 8. Nf3 Qb6 4. ... ... 5. ... ... 6. Na2 Nf6 7. e5 Nd5 8. Bxc4 e6 4. ... ... 5. ... ... 6. Bce2 e6 7. Nf3 Ba6 8. Bf4 Nf6 4. e3 b5 5. a4 b4 6. Ne4 Qd5 7. Nd2 c3 8. bxc3 bxc3 + 4. ... ... 5. Nxb5? cxb5 6. Qf3 Qc7 7. Qxa8 Bb7 8. Qxa7 e5 -- 4. a4 e5 5. dxe5 Qxd1+ 6. Kxd1 Be6 7. e4 Na6 8. f4 Rd8+ 4. Nf3 b5 5. a4 b4 6. Ne4 Nf6 7. Nxf6+ exf6 8. e4 Qe7