Slav Defense: Quiet Variation, Amsterdam Variation (D12)

The Quiet Variation, Amsterdam Variation is a variation of the Slav Defense, catalogued as ECO D12. The line runs 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 Bf5 5. cxd5 cxd5 6. Nc3 e6 7. Ne5 Nfd7, reaching the position shown below after 14 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 White to move after seven 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.

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: Quiet Variation, Amsterdam Variation — position after Nfd7 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 Bf5 5. cxd5 cxd5 6. Nc3 e6 7. Ne5 Nfd7

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4d5
2c4c6
3Nf3Nf6
4e3Bf5
5cxd5cxd5
6Nc3e6
7Ne5Nfd7

ECO: D12

Stockfish: +0.11 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Slav Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Quiet Variation, Amsterdam Variation?

The Quiet Variation, Amsterdam Variation goes 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 Bf5 5. cxd5 cxd5 6. Nc3 e6 7. Ne5 Nfd7. It is a variation of the Slav Defense and is catalogued as ECO D12.

What is the ECO code for the Quiet Variation, Amsterdam Variation?

The Quiet Variation, Amsterdam Variation is ECO D12. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Slav Defense.

Is the Quiet Variation, Amsterdam Variation good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 Bf5 5. cxd5 cxd5 6. Nc3 e6 7. Ne5 Nfd7 at +0.11 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 Quiet Variation, Amsterdam 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 White to move. The c-file file is fully open.