Schlechter Variation

The Schlechter Variation is the least common of Black's four main replies to 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 in the Slav. Black does not take on c4, prepare ...b5 with ...a6, or enter the Semi-Slav with ...e6. Instead 4...g6 prepares to fianchetto the dark-squared bishop behind the d5–c6 chain. From g7 the bishop bears on the long diagonal, and the c8-bishop is still unobstructed.

White has several ways to react. 5. cxd5 steers the game into an Exchange Slav structure. It is a popular choice at master level, because the move ...g6 contributes little in that pawn formation. White can also develop the queen's bishop outside the pawn chain. 5. Bg5 is the most frequent reply in the database, and 5. Bf4 scores best for White among the main moves. 5. e3 instead protects c4 and prepares to develop the king's bishop. Engines give White a slight edge and also rate the quiet 5. h3 highly. In online games draws are rare, and White's results are somewhat better.