Slav: Murey Variation

Before the first move

The Slav Defense is a rock-solid response to the Queen's Gambit, where Black uses the c-pawn to support the center. In the Murey Variation, the game takes a sharp turn as both sides fight for control of the queenside space. You will navigate a battle of precision where every pawn push limits the opponent's pieces.

1. d4White · your move

Push your pawn to d4 to claim immediate control of the center. This move opens lines for your queen and dark-squared bishop, establishing a foothold in the middle of the board that dictates the pace of the opening.

1... d5Black

Black replies with d5, the most solid response. While gambits like the Englund or the Horwitz Defense with e6 are possible, this move leads to the classical Queen's Pawn games. It sets the stage for a symmetrical battle for central dominance.

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

2. c4White · your move

Push your pawn to c4 to attack Black's d5-pawn. This is the Queen's Gambit, where you offer a side pawn to gain better control of the center and open the c-file for your future pressure.

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

Black chooses c6, entering the Slav Defense. This is more robust than the Austrian Defense with c5 or the Chigorin with Nc6. It prepares to maintain a pawn on d5 even if White captures on that square.

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 · your move

Develop your knight to f3. This natural move controls the e5 and d4 squares while preparing for kingside castling. It keeps your options flexible before committing your other pieces to specific squares.

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

3... Nf6Black

Black plays Nf6, continuing the most solid path. Alternatives like Bg4 or Bf5 are playable but slightly more provocative. By developing the knight first, Black keeps the position balanced and prepares for the main lines of the Slav.

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 · your move

Develop your knight to c3 to put maximum pressure on the d5 square. This move increases the tension in the center and prepares you to recapture if Black decides to take your c4 pawn.

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

4... dxc4Black

Black takes on c4, accepting the challenge. This leads to sharper play than the Chebanenko with a6 or the Semi-Slav with e6. Black intends to disrupt White's center in exchange for the pawn.

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 · your move

Push your pawn to a4. This is a critical prophylactic move that prevents Black from defending the c4 pawn with b5. You are sacrificing speed to ensure you can eventually recover the pawn on your own terms.

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

5... a5Black

Black responds with a5, the Murey Variation. This is more specific than the Czech Variation with Bf5 or the Smyslov with Na6. It creates a very particular pawn structure where the fight for the b4 and b5 squares becomes paramount.

Other paths here: Na6 (Slav Defense: Smyslov Variation) · e6 (Slav Defense: Soultanbeieff Variation) · Bg4 (Slav Defense: Steiner Variation) · Nd5 (Slav: 5.a4 Nd5)

Where you stand

The position is strategically rich. White will focus on playing e4 and recapturing the c4 pawn with the bishop to dominate the center. Black's plan involves developing the light-squared bishop to g4 or f5 and using the b4 square to anchor a knight or bishop, maintaining a solid blockade against White's central expansion.

• e2-e4 White pushes e4 to claim the center
• f1-c4 Bishop recaptures the pawn on c4
• c8-g4 Develop the bishop to pin the knight
• f6-d5 Knight eyes the central d5 square
• e1-g1 Castle kingside to secure the king