This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Opening Name: Slav Defense: 3.Nc3 Nf6
Moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nc3 Nf6
Description: This variation of the Slav Defense features Black developing the knight to f6 on move 3, reinforcing control over the central e4 and d5 squares. By playing ...Nf6, Black aims for solid development and flexible pawn structure, preparing to contest the center without committing the light-squared bishop prematurely.
Characteristic of this move: The move ...Nf6 is characteristic for its solid and flexible approach, supporting central control and quick piece development. It avoids early exchanges and keeps options open for Black’s light-squared bishop, often leading to rich positional play.
Attacking or Defensive: For Black, this move is primarily defensive, focusing on solid development and maintaining a strong pawn structure. For White, the position remains dynamic, and White typically pursues active central play and piece activity, so White’s stance is more attacking.
Center Control: Both sides contest the center—White with pawns on d4 and c4, and Black supporting the d5 pawn with ...c6 and reinforcing it with ...Nf6. This opening is very much about fighting for central control in a balanced and strategic manner.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Slav: 3.Nc3 Nf6, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 115 - Move #5 white
You can also discover how top players used Slav: 3.Nc3 Nf6 to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.