Minimal Black repertoire: one defence vs 1.e4, one vs 1.d4

Why these two defences

As White at 1300–1700 we recommend the London System. As Black you need two defences: one vs 1.e4, one vs 1.d4 (the structures are different, no single universal defence works).

Best pair for 1300–1700:

• Caro-Kann vs 1.e4
• Slav vs 1.d4

Both built on the ”…c6 + …d5” formula:

• Minimum theory — both “play themselves” by plan.
• One mental model — the pawn structure is similar everywhere.
• Solid middlegames — you’re not hanging by a thread on move 8 like in the Najdorf.
• Active middlegames — not passive defence.

Caro-Kann vs 1.e4

Starting position:

Black immediately contests the centre. White then chooses what to do with the e4/d4 pawn pair.

1) Classical Caro-Kann (3.Nc3)

The most common reply. Black plays 4…Bf5 — the key move, putting the bishop on a good square before …e6 (after …e6 the bishop would be blocked by its own pawn).

Then: …Ngf6, …Be7, …O-O, …c5 (central counterstrike).

2) Advance (3.e5)

White locks the centre. Black gets the bishop out before …e6:

The f5 bishop is the Caro-Kann’s main asset.

3) Exchange (3.exd5 cxd5)

The “boring” line. An almost symmetrical pawn structure arises:

In the Exchange White has a small opening pull, but at 1300–1700 it’s almost impossible to convert against Black — play by plan and equalize calmly.

4) Two Knights (2.Nc3 / 2.Nf3 + Nc3)

If White plays 2.Nc3 d5 3.Nf3 (instead of 2.d4) — they’re going for piece pressure instead of a pawn centre. Simplest reply for Black: 3…Bg4 with pressure on the f3 knight, then standard development.

Model games for Black

Capablanca played the Caro-Kann throughout his career — 2–3 of his Caro-Kann games are worth a look. Also Karpov, Petrosian, Svidler, Karjakin.

Slav vs 1.d4

Starting position:

Black defends d5 with c6, without blocking the c8 bishop (unlike the QGD with …e6, where the bishop gets stuck). That’s the Slav’s main advantage: an active light-squared bishop.

1) Exchange Slav (3.cxd5 cxd5)

The “quietest” line:

In the Exchange Slav half the games are drawn. That’s normal.

2) Main Slav (3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4)

The “principled” line. Black grabs the c4 pawn and holds it with …b5:

That’s a lot of theory. Overkill at 1300–1700 — pick something else.

3) Slow Slav / Schlechter (3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3) — recommended for 1300–1700

Minimal theory, normal middlegames:

For 1300–1700 the Slow Slav is the sweet spot.

Simple algorithm against any Slav

At 1300–1700 Black puts pieces on the same squares regardless of how exactly White plays:

Against 1.c4 and 1.Nf3

If White avoids both 1.e4 and 1.d4 — they play 1.c4 (English) or 1.Nf3 (Réti).

Universal answer — transpose into the Slav via …c6 + …d5:

If White doesn’t play d4 — set up …d5 + …e6 + …Nf6, develop, look for trades and equality.

Against 1.f4, 1.b3, 1.b4 and other rarities

Principle: play for the centre. To any unusual White move — answer …d5 + …Nf6 + …e6 + development. Don’t try to “refute” a strange opening — just unfold a normal position:

Six moves later you’re in a normal chess position, and the rare White opening gives no edge.

Model games

Caro-Kann. Classic of the genre — a technical White win from a slightly initiative-y position:

Also worth browsing our catalogue sets:

Slav: classic encounters and the modern view:

Open the games in free analysis or the PGN analyzer. Goal: see how the ideas work.

When to move on

After ≈1700:

• The Caro-Kann starts hitting a ceiling — especially in the Advance, where Black ends up cramped.
• The Exchange Slav gives too many draws.

Switch signals:

• You want more tactics vs 1.e4 — switch to the Sicilian (Najdorf or Sveshnikov).
• You want deeper strategy vs 1.d4 — switch to the Nimzo-Indian or King’s Indian.

But only after 1700.

Related

• How to grow from 1300 to 1700 — overall growth plan.
• Minimal opening repertoire — the “less = better” principle.
• The London System — White-side counterpart.
• PGN analyzer — to review your own games.
• Free Stockfish analysis — to test ideas.