Slav Defense - Exchange Slav: 3.cxd5 Cxd5

Exchange Slav: 3.cxd5 Cxd5

The Slav Exchange Variation "is the system that takes the fun out of playing the Slav" for Black. After 3.cxd5 cxd5, the symmetrical position offers White only the advantage of the extra move, but the drawish position offers Black little chance to win unless White is overly ambitious. The rooks will often be exchanged down the now open C-file. To avoid this possibility Black often chooses the move order 2...e6 followed by 3...c6 to enter the Semi-Slav.