Slav Defense: Soultanbeieff Variation

Before the first move

The Slav Defense is a rock-solid response to the Queen's Gambit, focusing on supporting the d5-pawn with c6. In the Soultanbeieff Variation, Black accepts the c4-pawn and then reinforces the center with e6. This leads to a sophisticated positional battle where White tries to recover the pawn while Black seeks active piece play.

1. d4White

White starts with d4, the most common alternative to e4. By occupying the center, White invites a variety of responses. Black could try the sharp Englund Gambit with e5, the solid Horwitz Defense with e6, or the hypermodern English Defense with b6, but the main road leads to d5.

1... d5Black · your move

Move your pawn to d5 to establish a firm presence in the center and mirror White's control. This classic response prevents White from playing e4 easily and prepares a solid foundation for your minor pieces to develop safely.

Other paths here: Na6 (Australian Defense) · g5 (Borg Defense: Borg Gambit) · b6 (English Defense) · e5 (Englund Gambit)

2. c4White

White plays c4, the signature move of the Queen's Gambit. White could also choose the London System with Bf4 or the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit with e4, but c4 is the most ambitious attempt to gain a long-term advantage by attacking the d5-pawn.

Other paths here: Qd3 (Amazon Attack) · e4 (Blackmar-Diemer Gambit) · e3 (Queen's Pawn Game) · Bf4 (Queen's Pawn Game: Accelerated London System)

2... c6Black · your move

Slide your pawn to c6 to bolster d5. This defines the Slav Defense. Unlike the Queen's Gambit Declined, you keep your light-squared bishop's path open while creating a rock-solid pawn chain that is very difficult for White to break down early.

Other paths here: c5 (Queen's Gambit Declined: Austrian Defense) · Bf5 (Queen's Gambit Declined: Baltic Defense) · Nf6 (Queen's Gambit Declined: Marshall Defense) · b5 (Queen's Gambit Declined: Zilbermints Gambit)

3. Nf3White

White plays Nf3, a flexible and strong developing move. White often chooses the Exchange Variation with cxd5 to simplify, or the sharper Diemer Gambit with e4, but Nf3 is the most common way to maintain pressure while completing development.

Other paths here: Nc3 (Slav Defense) · e4 (Slav Defense: Diemer Gambit) · cxd5 (Slav Defense: Exchange Variation) · Bf4 (Slav: 3.Bf4)

3... Nf6Black · your move

Bring your knight to f6 to defend d5 and prepare for development. This move is essential for controlling the center and getting ready to castle. It keeps the position flexible and prepares you to react to White's next attacking ideas.

Other paths here: Bf5 (Slav: 3.Nf3 Bf5) · Bg4 (Slav: 3.Nf3 Bg4) · dxc4 (Slav: 3.Nf3 dxc4) · e6 (Semi-Slav Defense: Chigorin Defense)

4. Nc3White

White plays Nc3, increasing the heat on d5. White could play the Quiet Variation with e3 or the Breyer Variation with Nbd2, but Nc3 is the most testing. Black now has to decide whether to maintain the tension or capture on c4.

Other paths here: Bg5 (Slav Defense: Bonet Gambit) · Nbd2 (Slav Defense: Breyer Variation) · e3 (Slav Defense: Quiet Variation) · Qb3 (Slav: 4.Qb3)

4... dxc4Black · your move

Capture the pawn on c4. By taking the gambit pawn, you challenge White to prove they can win it back. This move initiates the Slav Accepted lines, where you trade central control for a temporary material lead and active piece play.

Other paths here: a6 (Slav Defense: Chebanenko Variation) · g6 (Slav Defense: Schlechter Variation) · Qb6 (Slav Defense: Süchting Variation) · Bf5 (Slav: 4.Nc3 Bf5)

5. a4White

White plays a4, the standard response to stop b5. If White played e4 immediately, Black could try to hold the pawn. By playing a4, White ensures they will get the pawn back, though it gives Black time to develop their kingside.

Other paths here: e3 (Slav Defense: Alekhine Variation) · e4 (Slav Defense: Geller Gambit) · Ne5 (Slav: Accepted, 5.Ne5)

5... e6Black · your move

Move your pawn to e6. This is the Soultanbeieff Variation. You solidify your center and open the diagonal for your dark-squared bishop to develop to b4, pinning the knight. You are preparing to challenge White's center with c5 very soon.

Other paths here: Na6 (Slav Defense: Smyslov Variation) · Bg4 (Slav Defense: Steiner Variation) · Nd5 (Slav: 5.a4 Nd5) · a5 (Slav: Murey Variation)

Where you stand

The position is balanced and rich in strategic ideas. White will likely play e3 to recapture the c4-pawn with the bishop, while Black prepares to pin the c3-knight with Bb4. The main battle revolves around Black's ability to execute the c5 pawn break to challenge White's center. Both sides must balance development with the fight for central space.

• f1-c4 Recapture the pawn and develop the bishop.
• f8-b4 Pin the knight to pressure the center.
• c6-c5 Strike at the center to gain space.
• e2-e4 Establish a full pawn center if permitted.