ECO code: D31
Opening Name: Semi-Slav Defense: 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Nf3
Moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 c6 4. cxd5 exd5 5. Nf3
Description: The Semi-Slav with 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Nf3 is a solid and flexible line for both sides. White recaptures on d5 early, clarifying the central pawn structure and developing the knight to a natural square, supporting control over the center and preparing for kingside development. Black’s pawn on c6 supports the d5-pawn, maintaining a strong central presence.
Characteristic: This move order is characteristic of the Semi-Slav Defense’s solid but dynamic pawn structure, where Black combines the Slav’s c6-pawn support with the classical e6 pawn, balancing defense and counterattack potential.
Strategic Nature: As White, the move 5.Nf3 is primarily developmental and positional, aiming to build pressure on the center and prepare for kingside safety rather than an immediate attack. As Black, the setup is generally defensive but flexible, ready to counterattack the center or challenge White’s center with breaks like ...dxc4 or ...e5 in the future.
Center Control: This opening line strongly attacks and contests the center. Both sides maintain pawns on d4/d5 and support them actively, leading to a rich battle for central dominance.
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 Semi-Slav: 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Nf3, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 5 - Move #8 black