D10 · Slav Defense

Slav Defense: Exchange Variation

1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. cxd5
♜♞♝♛♚♝♞♜♟♟♟♟♟♟♟♟♟♟♟♟♟♟♟♜♞♝♛♚♝♞♜
The position after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. cxd5, Black to move.

In the Slav Defense: Exchange Variation, aim to understand the plans and pawn structures, not just memorize the first moves.

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The Slav Defense: Exchange Variation is a chess opening classified under ECO code D10. It is reached after the moves 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. cxd5: 5 moves in, with Black to play.

It belongs to the Slav Defense family — one of many ways the line can branch. Understanding the parent system’s plans is the fastest way to play this variation well.

Club players rarely lose the Slav Defense: Exchange Variation in the opening itself. They lose it a few moves later, when the plan behind the moves runs out: that is what reading your own games in this line shows you.

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Related openings

Queen's Gambit Declined: SlavSlav DefenseSlav DefenseSlav DefenseSlav Defense: Diemer GambitSlav Defense: Exchange Variation, Boor AttackSlav Defense: Slav Gambit, Alekhine AttackSlav Defense: Winawer CountergambitSlav Defense: Winawer Countergambit, Anti-Winawer GambitSlav Defense: Bonet Gambit

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