Slav Defense: Quiet Variation, Landau Variation (D12)

The Quiet Variation, Landau 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. Qb3 Qc8 7. Bd2 e6 8. Na3, reaching the position shown below after 15 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on d5). Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is Black to move after eight 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, Landau Variation — position after Na3 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 Bf5 5. cxd5 cxd5 6. Qb3 Qc8 7. Bd2 e6 8. Na3

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4d5
2c4c6
3Nf3Nf6
4e3Bf5
5cxd5cxd5
6Qb3Qc8
7Bd2e6
8Na3

ECO: D12

Stockfish: -0.16 at depth 18

Practice this line free →

Position characteristics

Related Slav Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

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

The Quiet Variation, Landau Variation goes 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 Bf5 5. cxd5 cxd5 6. Qb3 Qc8 7. Bd2 e6 8. Na3. It is a variation of the Slav Defense and is catalogued as ECO D12.

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

The Quiet Variation, Landau 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, Landau 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. Qb3 Qc8 7. Bd2 e6 8. Na3 at -0.16 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, Landau Variation lead to?

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