Slav Defense: Exchange Variation
White exchanges on d5, often producing a symmetrical central structure. Development and control of open files still matter; find an active plan before simplifying toward an equal-looking position.
Your plan as White
Maintain central pressure and choose a development scheme before trying to regain c4.
The opponent’s plan
Support d5 with ...c6 while keeping options for the light-squared bishop.
Watch out: Moving the bishop out changes the defense of b7: check White's queen pressure.
Opening game…
Practice this line as White.
Play three moves from the line you watched. Hints draw an arrow on the board. Complete a fresh attempt without hints or retries to pass.
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Name, background and sources
Alapin helped develop Slav theory. Its use in the Alekhine–Euwe world championship matches helped bring wider attention to the defense.
Read the opening background on Chess.com ↗Lichess opening names and reference lines (CC0)
ChessSum provides original explanatory notes. Related lines are labeled separately. Reference lines illustrate ideas; they are not a claim that every other legal move is wrong.
Watch how the center and piece development change. Each arrow previews the next move.