Slav Defense: Czech Variation, Classical System

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 6.e3

ECO D18

The Slav Defense: Czech Variation, Classical System is a chess opening line in the Slav Defense complex, reached after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 6.e3.

It is catalogued under code D18 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO).

The defining move e3 is chosen by White on move 6.

One named continuation branches from this position: the Main Line.

Named variations

• Slav Defense: Czech Variation, Classical System, Main Line — ECO D19

Study this line with a grandmaster

This position is covered in the Slav Defense course: a GM-authored repertoire you study move by move, then practice against a human-like AI opponent.

Every chess term used here is defined in the chess terms glossary. Browse all opening courses or the full ECO code index.