Slav Defense: Czech Variation, Classical System (D18)

The Czech Variation, Classical System is a variation of the Slav Defense, catalogued as ECO D18. The line runs 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. a4 Bf5 6. e3, reaching the position shown below after 11 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on d4. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is Black to move after six moves. Black has doubled pawns on the c-file.

On the Slav Defense generally: A solid defense to the Queen's Gambit. Black supports d5 with c6 while keeping the bishop active.

You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.

Slav Defense: Czech Variation, Classical System — position after e3 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. a4 Bf5 6. e3

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4d5
2c4c6
3Nf3Nf6
4Nc3dxc4
5a4Bf5
6e3

ECO: D18

Stockfish: +0.43 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Slav Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Czech Variation, Classical System?

The Czech Variation, Classical System goes 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. a4 Bf5 6. e3. It is a variation of the Slav Defense and is catalogued as ECO D18.

What is the ECO code for the Czech Variation, Classical System?

The Czech Variation, Classical System is ECO D18. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Slav Defense.

Is the Czech Variation, Classical System good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. a4 Bf5 6. e3 at +0.43 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for White, within normal opening margins. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.

What kind of position does the Czech Variation, Classical System lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on d4. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is Black to move. Black has doubled pawns on the c-file.