1.d4 — the closed and Indian games
Slav Defence
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6ECO D10–D19
Black supports the d5 pawn with a pawn rather than shutting in the light-squared bishop (the problem child of the Queen's Gambit Declined). Solid, resilient, and popular at every level.
Key ideas
- …c6 defends d5 while keeping the c8-bishop's diagonal open.
- Black often develops the bishop to f5 or g4 before playing …e6.
- Structures range from rock-solid to the sharp Semi-Slav with …e6 and …dxc4.
Who it suits
Players who want a solid, flexible answer to the Queen's Gambit without a bad bishop.
Add it to your repertoire.
Drill the Slav Defence move by move against the board until it's second nature.
Open the trainer