Chess opening · ECO D10
Slav Defense: Exchange Variation
The Slav Defense: Exchange Variation starts 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. cxd5. It ranks #134 of the 174 openings on this site by how often rated players on Lichess reach it.
Move by move
- 1. d4White pushes the d-pawn two squares to d4, staking a claim in the center.
- 1... d5Black pushes the d-pawn two squares to d5, staking a claim in the center.
- 2. c4White pushes the c-pawn two squares to c4.
- 2... c6Black advances the c-pawn to c6.
- 3. cxd5White takes the pawn on d5 with the c-pawn.
At the end of the line White is a pawn up. Black can take back on d5 at once.
What players choose next, by rating
The three most common Black moves from this position in rated Lichess games, grouped by the rating of the player making the move. cxd5 is the most popular next move in every rating band.
| Rating | Most common | Second | Third |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1200 | cxd5 94% | Qxd5 6% | – |
| 1200–1399 | cxd5 88% | Qxd5 12% | – |
| 1400–1599 | cxd5 91% | Qxd5 9% | – |
| 1600–1799 | cxd5 94% | Qxd5 6% | – |
| 1800–1999 | cxd5 96% | Qxd5 4% | – |
| 2000 and up | cxd5 100% | – | – |
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