Chess Opening Theory/1. d4/1...c6

1...c6 is a transpositional tool. Black gives White the option of changing their mind and playing an e4 opening instead.

After 2. c4, Black can play 2...d5 and transpose into a Slav defence, as if they had played 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6.

With this move order, White has the option of 2. e4, where 2...d4 will transpose into a Caro-Kann, as if they had played 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5.

However, if White plays something else, like 2. Bf4, going for a Accelerated London-style set-up where Black might like to play ...c5 at some point, they may regret having given up a tempo on ...c6 now.

1. d4 c6

Wikipedia has related information at Queen's Pawn.

• Kasparov, Garry, & Keene, Raymond 1989 Batsford chess openings 2. ISBN 0-8050-3409-9.

• Nunn's Chess Openings. 1999. John Nunn (Editor), Graham Burgess, John Emms, Joe Gallagher. ISBN 1-8574-4221-0.