Breyer Variation
- 1.d4d5
- 2.c4c6
- 3.Nf3Nf6
- 4.Nbd2
1,839 games
Slav Defense line with 4. Nbd2, a quiet alternative to 4. Nc3 in which White develops slowly, often toward a Catalan-style setup with g3.
Train it in TheoriaAbout the Breyer Variation
The Breyer Variation replaces the usual 4. Nc3 with 4. Nbd2. This quieter development keeps c4 covered but puts less pressure on d5. White generally plays slowly and often aims for a Catalan-like setup with a later g3. Black has a free choice of setups. 4...Bf5, developing the bishop outside the pawn chain, is the most frequent reply, followed by 4...e6 and 4...Bg4. Engines assess the position as balanced.