# Chess openings: What is the Slav Defense?

Learn how to use the Slav Defense to level up your game!

Learning openings requires understanding chess notation, the system for naming pieces and moves. [Get a refresher on chess notation here](https://blog.duolingo.com/chess-notation/)!

## Slav Defense: 3 quick facts

- Though it first appeared in the late 1500s, the Slav Defense is named after a number of Slavic players who popularized this [line](https://blog.duolingo.com/popular-chess-openings/#line) in the 1900s.
- It’s one of the most common Black responses to the [Queen’s Gambit](https://blog.duolingo.com/queens-gambit-opening/), leading to slow, [positional](https://blog.duolingo.com/popular-chess-openings/#positional), strategic gameplay that is chosen even by top [grandmasters](https://blog.duolingo.com/how-to-become-a-chess-grandmaster/).
- Despite having extensive [theory](https://blog.duolingo.com/popular-chess-openings/#theory), this opening is relatively straightforward to play—even for beginners.

## Slav Defense: the moves

Here are the moves for the Slav Defense:

1. d4 d5  
2. c4 c6

## A dependable choice for Black

Looking for a first opening to play against White’s [1. d4](https://blog.duolingo.com/popular-chess-openings/#d4)? Try the Slav today!

If you’re looking for more openings, check out [our guide featuring over 30 options](https://blog.duolingo.com/popular-chess-openings/) for every skill level!