---
date: 2026-03-15
topic: How to respond to the English Opening (1.c4) as a Slav player
opening: Black vs d4 - Slav
eco: A10-A39
status: resolved
---

## Question

As Black, should I always play 1...d5? What about 1.c4 (English Opening) — is 1...d5 good there?

## Discussion

With our repertoire (1...d5 against everything), 1.c4 is the one opening where 1...d5 isn't ideal. After 1.c4 d5 2.cxd5, Black doesn't get the Scandinavian setup (no e4 pawn to exploit) and has to recapture awkwardly.

**Better approach: 1...c6!** This is the Slav transposition trick:
- If White plays 2.d4 → we play 2...d5 → pure Slav transposition, our entire repertoire applies
- If White plays 2.Nf3 → we play 2...d5, and after 3.cxd5 cxd5 → Exchange Slav structure, we know this
- If White plays 2.e4 → we play 2...d5 → challenge immediately, equal position
- If White plays 2.g3 → we play 2...d5 → solid center, Slav Reflex (Bf5 before e6)

In ALL cases, our Slav knowledge applies. The key insight: **1...c6 before ...d5** keeps all transpositions favorable.

## Actions Taken

- Added chapter "vs English Opening (1.c4) - SLAV TRANSPOSITION" to `pgn/repertoire_noirs_vs_d4_slave_annote.pgn`
- 4 sub-variations: 2.d4 (transposition), 2.Nf3, 2.e4, 2.g3
- Pushed to Lichess study x3z4bEQ6 (6 chapters total now)

## Key Takeaways

- Against 1.c4: play **1...c6** (not 1...d5 directly) — prepares ...d5 with Slav transposition
- The Slav Reflex (Bishop out before e6) applies in every sub-variation
- 1...d5 works against everything else (1.e4, 1.d4, 1.Nf3, 1.g3, 1.f4, etc.)
- 1.c4 is rare below 1500 Elo — low priority but good to know
