Chess Opening Theory/1. d4/1...d5/2. c4/2...c6/3. cxd5

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/2p5/3P4/3P4/8/PP2PPPP/RNBQKBNR
	Moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. cxd5
	ECO code: D10
	Parent: Slav defence

3. cxd5 · Exchange Variation

After this move, the tension in the center is relieved often allowing Black equality due to the symmetrical position. Because of this, this variation often ends in a draw.

Black's only good move is to complete the exchange of pawns with 3...cxd5, and accept a symmetrical position. However, Nf6!? might be interesting as the position transposes to QGD, Marshall defence, Tan Gambit although this is rarely seen in high-level games. 3...Qxd5?! should be avoided as 4. Nc3 gains a lot of tempo, and allows White a crushing spacial advantage in the center.

After 3...cxd5, either side will find it difficult to win unless the other is over-ambitious.

Theory table

1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. cxd5

	3	4	5	6
	... cxd5	Nc3 Nf6	Bf4 Nc6	e3 a6	=
	... ...	... ...	Nf3 Nc6	Bf4 Bf5	=
Boor attack	... ...	... ...	f3 Nc6	e4 dxe4	=
	... ...	Bf4 Nc6	e3 Nf6	Bb5 Bg4	=
Tan gambit	... Nf6	dxc6 Nxc6			⩲