D17

Slav Defense: Czech Variation

Key moves: 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6

The Slav Defence is a solid response to the Queen's Gambit where Black defends d5 with ...c6. Unlike the QGD, the light-squared bishop isn't blocked. It leads to positions that are both solid and dynamic.

History & Notable Players

Has been a cornerstone of chess theory since the early 20th century. Euwe, Smyslov, and many modern grandmasters have relied on it.

Best Games

Erigaisi,Arjun vs Nakamura,Hi1/2-1/2
13th Norway Chess 2025 • 2025★ Notable
Le Quang Liem vs Duarte,Le1-0
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 21 • 2021★ Notable
Ding Liren vs Caruana,F1-0
FIDE Candidates 2020 • 2020★ Notable
Giri,A vs Aronian,L1/2-1/2
73rd Tata Steel GMA • 2011★ Notable
Topalov,V vs Anand,V1-0
WCh • 2010★ Notable
Topalov,V vs Anand,V1/2-1/2
WCh • 2010★ Notable
Topalov,V vs Anand,V1/2-1/2
WCh • 2010★ Notable
Carlsen,M vs Kramnik,V1/2-1/2
Tal Memorial Blitz • 2008★ Notable
Gelfand,B vs Carlsen,M0-1
Tal Memorial Blitz • 2008★ Notable
Karjakin,Sergey vs Kramnik,V1/2-1/2
Amber Rapid • 2008★ Notable
Aronian,L vs Carlsen,M1/2-1/2
WCh Candidates s/f • 2007★ Notable
Ponomariov,R vs Rublevsky,S1/2-1/2
WCh Candidates s/f • 2007★ Notable
Ponomariov,R vs Rublevsky,S1/2-1/2
WCh Candidates s/f • 2007★ Notable
Radjabov,T vs Kramnik,V0-1
Amber Blindfold • 2007★ Notable
Shirov,A vs Gelfand,B1/2-1/2
Tal Memorial • 2006★ Notable
Carlsen,M vs Gelfand,B0-1
Tal Memorial • 2006★ Notable
Topalov,V vs Kramnik,V1/2-1/2
WCh • 2006★ Notable
Gelfand,B vs Felgaer,R1-0
WCC • 2005★ Notable
Gelfand,B vs Felgaer,R1/2-1/2
WCC • 2005★ Notable
Shirov,A vs Morozevich,A1/2-1/2
Amber Rapid • 2005★ Notable

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