Slav Defense: Exchange Variation, Schallopp Variation (D13)

The Exchange Variation, Schallopp Variation is a variation of the Slav Defense, catalogued as ECO D13. The line runs 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 Bf5 5. cxd5 cxd5 6. Nc3, reaching the position shown below after 11 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on d5). Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move after six moves. The c-file file is fully open.

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: Exchange Variation, Schallopp Variation — position after Nc3 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 Bf5 5. cxd5 cxd5 6. Nc3

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4d5
2c4c6
3Nf3Nf6
4e3Bf5
5cxd5cxd5
6Nc3

ECO: D13

Stockfish: +0.07 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Slav Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Exchange Variation, Schallopp Variation?

The Exchange Variation, Schallopp Variation goes 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 Bf5 5. cxd5 cxd5 6. Nc3. It is a variation of the Slav Defense and is catalogued as ECO D13.

What is the ECO code for the Exchange Variation, Schallopp Variation?

The Exchange Variation, Schallopp Variation is ECO D13. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Slav Defense.

Is the Exchange Variation, Schallopp Variation good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 Bf5 5. cxd5 cxd5 6. Nc3 at +0.07 at depth 18, which is balanced. 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 Exchange Variation, Schallopp Variation lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on d5). Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move. The c-file file is fully open.