ECO code: D15
Slav Defense: Alekhine Variation
Moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. e3
Characteristic: In this line, Black captures the pawn on c4 early, aiming to hold onto the extra pawn and challenge White’s central control. White responds with 5. e3 to immediately prepare recapturing the pawn on c4 and solidify the center.
Playing Style: For White, this move is somewhat attacking, as White seeks to regain the pawn and maintain strong central presence. Black’s approach is more defensive and solid, focusing on maintaining a flexible and resilient pawn structure.
Center Control: Both sides contest the center, but White’s plan with e3 is to reestablish a strong pawn center quickly. Black’s early capture on c4 temporarily cedes some central space, so White aims to regain dominance in the center.
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.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Slav Defense: Alekhine Variation, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 4 - Move #9 black