Slav Defence
D10–D19Black1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6
D10–D19 · 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6
The idea
As solid as the Queen's Gambit Declined, but with a twist: Black supports d5 with ...c6 instead of ...e6, leaving the light-squared bishop free to develop actively to f5 or g4 before locking in the centre. That blend of rock-solid structure and an active bishop has made it a favourite of world champions.
Your plan (Black)
Keep d5 supported by ...c6, get the light bishop out to f5 (or g4) before playing ...e6, and complete development comfortably while staying solid.
Heading into the middlegame
The Slav's edge over the QGD is that your light-squared bishop gets OUT to f5 or g4 before ...e6 ever locks it in — so you never own a bad bishop. The scheme: support d5 with ...c6, develop the bishop actively, then ...e6, ...Be7 (or ...Bb4), ...O-O, ...Nbd7. If you take on c4, don't cling to the pawn with ...b5 (a4 hits it) — give it back and enjoy free development. Free the game with a timely ...c5 or ...e5 and steer toward a sound, comfortable middlegame.
Lines
0/2 masteredYou support d5 with ...c6, get the bishop out to f5, then take on c4 and give the pawn back for comfortable, free development.
White clarifies into a symmetrical structure for a quiet game; develop naturally and aim for a sound, balanced middlegame with easy equality.