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: Central Variation, 6.Ne5 Nbd7
Moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. a4 Bf5 6. Ne5 Nbd7
This variation arises in the Slav Defense after White's proactive 6.Ne5, aiming to challenge Black's control of the center and put pressure on Black's bishop and knight. Black responds with 6...Nbd7, reinforcing key central squares and preparing to contest White's active knight.
Characteristic of the move 6...Nbd7: This move supports the knight on f6 and prepares to either exchange or reposition pieces to maintain a solid and flexible pawn structure. It also helps Black to contest the e5-knight and maintain a firm grip on the center.
Strategic nature: From White's perspective, the move 6.Ne5 is an attacking attempt to seize central space and challenge Black's setup. Black's 6...Nbd7 is more defensive and solid, aiming to neutralize White's initiative while keeping the center under control.
Center control: Both sides focus heavily on the center in this variation. White attacks the center actively with the knight on e5, while Black defends and contests the center with pawn structure and piece placement. The opening is very much about central tension and control.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Slav: Central, 6.Ne5 Nbd7, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 1 - Move #48 white
You can also discover how top players used Slav: Central, 6.Ne5 Nbd7 to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.