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.Nf3 Nf6
Moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6
Description: The Slav Defense is a solid and popular response to 1.d4. By playing 3...Nf6, Black develops a knight to a natural and active square, supporting the center and preparing for kingside development. White’s 3.Nf3 is a flexible move, reinforcing control over the center and preparing for safe castling.
Characteristic: This move order emphasizes solid development and strong control of the central squares, particularly d4 and d5. Both sides focus on piece development rather than immediate central pawn tension.
Playing Style: From White’s perspective, the setup is geared toward a balanced approach—combining center control with flexible development, allowing for both attacking and positional plans. For Black, the position is primarily defensive and solid, aiming to equalize safely and counterattack when the opportunity arises.
Center Control: Yes, this opening fights actively for the center. White controls d4 and c4, while Black counters with d5 and c6, maintaining a strong pawn presence in the center.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Slav: 3.Nf3 Nf6, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 77 - Move #7 white
You can also discover how top players used Slav: 3.Nf3 Nf6 to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.