Hey there, I don't play the Slav, but here is some stuff I found online for you. Hope it helps.
2...c6 - The Slav Defense
Originally considered a less-orthodox defence in the Queen's Gambit, this opening has long stood as an entire opening system in its own right for decades.
The idea behind this defence is straightforward: instead of locking in the light squared bishop on c8, why not support the center with the c-pawn instead? Black tends to be more active in this variation than the QGD.
White's main lines:
- 3. Nf3 - The main line. As with the QGD, white makes a useful developing move while maintaining some flexibility.
- 3. Nc3 - Sometimes provocative, this move may lead to variations where black overextends by trying to hold on to the pawn on c4.
- 3. cxd5 - The exchange variation. This relieves the central tension early on and tends to allow black equality. One of the main drawbacks of having the Slav as a main opening repertoire is that it is hard for Black (or White) to win in the exchange variation. According to chess365, 83% of Masters games ended in a draw after this move. Even so, it is important for both sides to know.
- 3...Nf3 - With the most common move in the Slav, 3.Nf3, White develops his knight and exerts more control over the e5-square. Black plays the natural developing move Nf6, which is invariably the best square for the black knight in the Slav. On f6, the knight exerts control over the e4 square as well as re-inforcing protection of the d5 square.
- 3...cxd5 - Slav Defence Exchange Variation - After this move, the tension in the center is relieved, often allowing black equality. Because of this, this variation often ends in a draw. Black's only decent move is to complete the exchange of pawns with 3...cxd5. After the exchange, black will find it difficult to win unless white is overly ambitious.
- 3...e6 - transposing into the semi-slav.
I am just about to start playing the Slav, but before I set up a basic opening repertoire to get me going, I was wondering if any Slav players could point out the main aims and principles behind playing the Slav. This way, it will be easier to understand which moves to play and why?
Thanks for your time....