Slav Defense: Alapin Variation

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 · ECO D16 · Black to move

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What Slav Defense: Alapin Variation puts on the board

Black has a one-pawn material edge; black is to move.

White has central pawns on d4.

White can still castle either side; Black can still castle either side.

The c-file is half-open for White, giving that side a natural pressure lane.

Reference links and alternate move orders