Chess Opening Theory/1. d4/1...d5/2. c4/2...c6/3. Nc3/3...dxc4/4. e3

Slav Defence
	a b c d e f g h 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a b c d e f g h
	Position in Forsyth-Edwards Notation (FEN) rnbqkbnr/pp2pppp/2p5/8/2pP4/2N1P3/PP3PPP/R1BQKBNR
	Moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nc3 dxc4 4. e3
	ECO code: D15

4. e3

This is considered to be the best move for White:

Keeps the e4-square free for the c3-knight to retreat to in case of a b7-b5-b4 advance.
Gains control of the centre with pawns on e3 and d4.
Prepares to capture the c4 pawn with Bxc4.

Black should prevent the capture of the c-pawn with 4...b5. This usually leads to very complicated variations on the queenside where White attempts to undermine Black's defence of the c-pawn with moves like a4. If White can successfully recapture the pawn, White should be better.

Theory table

1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nc3 dxc4 4. e3

4	5	6	7	8	9
... b5	a4 b4	Ne4 Qd5	Nd2 c3	bxc3 bxc3	Nb1 Qa5	⩲
... ...	... ...	... ...	Ng3 Nf6	Be2 g6	Nf3 O-O	=
... ...	Nxb5? cxb5	Qf3				∓

Slav Defence
a b c d e f g h 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a b c d e f g h
Position in Forsyth-Edwards Notation (FEN) rnbqkbnr/pp2pppp/2p5/8/2pP4/2N1P3/PP3PPP/R1BQKBNR
Moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nc3 dxc4 4. e3
ECO code: D15

Chess Opening Theory/1. d4/1...d5/2. c4/2...c6/3. Nc3/3...dxc4/4. e3

4. e3

Theory table

See also