Slav Indian Defence: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c6

Slav Indian Defence

Definition

The Slav Indian Defence is the position reached after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c6. It blends two venerable families: the Slav (defined by …c6 and, typically, …d5) and the Indian defences (defined by an early …Nf6 without …d5). By holding the d-pawn in reserve, Black keeps maximum flexibility while immediately bolstering the centre with …c6.

Strategic Ideas

• Flexibility: Black can head for a pure Slav (…d5), a Grünfeld-flavoured setup (…g6, …d5, …dxc4), a King’s Indian structure (…g6, …d6), or even a classic Queen’s Gambit Declined (…e6, …d5).
• Move-order subtleties: Playing …c6 before …d5 sidesteps anti-Grünfeld ideas such as 3. f3 and the Exchange Grünfeld (3. cxd5).
• Solid pawn chain: The c-pawn supports the potential …d5 break and limits White’s central expansion, at the temporary cost of locking in Black’s light-squared bishop.

Common Continuations

1. 3. Nf3 d5 – the game transposes directly to a main-line Slav Defence.
2. 3. Nc3 d5 – another Slav route, allowing White to choose the Exchange Variation with 4. cxd5 cxd5.
3. 3. Nf3 g6 – heading for a King’s Indian/ Grünfeld hybrid called the Fianchetto Slav Indian.
4. 3. Nf3 e6 – a rock-solid Queen’s Gambit Declined with the bonus move …c6 already inserted.

Historical Notes

Early 20^th-century writers (Réti, Tartakower) coined the term “Slav-Indian” long before modern ECO codes settled on “Queen’s Pawn Game: Indian Game, Slav-Indian” (A46). Grandmasters such as Capablanca, Euwe and young Flohr used the move-order to outfox opponents in the 1920s–30s. In recent decades players like Peter Svidler, Vladimir Kramnik and Anish Giri have kept it alive as a practical weapon to bypass heavy Grünfeld theory.

Illustrative Mini-Game

A short classical example showing Black’s flexibility: the game begins with the Slav Indian move-order, then transposes to a calm Slav where both sides develop harmoniously.

Typical Plans

• White
  • Occupy the centre with e4/e3 and develop naturally.
  • If Black commits to …d5, decide between a quiet build-up (e3, Bd3, Qe2) or sharper Exchange lines (cxd5).
  • Against …g6 setups, use the extra tempo in Grünfeld-type positions to seize space.
• Black
  • Keep options open; reveal the full plan only after White has shown his hand.
  • If choosing the “pure” Slav, consider …dxc4 followed by …b5 to liberate the light-squared bishop.
  • In fianchetto lines, aim for thematic breaks with …c5 or …e5 once development is complete.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• ECO code A46 officially labels the line “Indian Game, Slav-Indian,” but many databases simply record it as 1 d4 Nf6 2 c4 c6.
• Because 2…c6 foils the anti-Grünfeld 3. f3, several Grünfeld specialists adopt the Slav Indian when they sense that White might spring that weapon.
• In the 1998 Wijk aan Zee super-tournament Kramnik used the Slav Indian move-order against Shirov, later unleashing a spectacular kingside attack starting with a knight sacrifice on g5.
• At blitz time-controls the opening is especially popular: Black follows familiar Slav/Grünfeld plans while White has to decide immediately which path to take.

When to Choose the Slav Indian

Select 2…c6 if you:

• Play both the Slav and Indian defences and like to transpose between them.
• Prefer a rock-solid but flexible setup.
• Want to avoid the heavy Catalan and anti-Grünfeld theory that follows 2…e6 or 2…g6 move-orders.
• Value practical surprise weapons in rapid and blitz play.