Slav Defense: Czech Variation, Lasker Variation (D18)

The Czech Variation, Lasker Variation 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 Na6, reaching the position shown below after 12 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 White 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.

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Slav Defense: Czech Variation, Lasker Variation — position after Na6 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. a4 Bf5 6. e3 Na6

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4d5
2c4c6
3Nf3Nf6
4Nc3dxc4
5a4Bf5
6e3Na6

ECO: D18

Stockfish: +0.74 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Slav Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Czech Variation, Lasker Variation?

The Czech Variation, Lasker Variation goes 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. a4 Bf5 6. e3 Na6. It is a variation of the Slav Defense and is catalogued as ECO D18.

What is the ECO code for the Czech Variation, Lasker Variation?

The Czech Variation, Lasker Variation 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, Lasker Variation good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. a4 Bf5 6. e3 Na6 at +0.74 at depth 18, which is a small but real edge for White. 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, Lasker Variation 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 White to move. Black has doubled pawns on the c-file.