Slav Defense: Alekhine Variation: what should Black play?

b5! — The Only Good Move!

⚠️ Critical position — only this move maintains the balance!

Why this is the only good move: White is ready to play Bxc4, regaining the pawn with a perfect center and easy development. By playing b5, you use a "pawn anchor" to protect your extra material on c4 and force White to react to your queenside expansion before they can finish their setup.

Why Other Moves Fail

The traps: Developing pieces like the c8 feels natural, but it allows White to achieve their ideal setup. If you don't challenge the d4 or protect your c4, White gets a "dream" Catalan-style position where they have all the space and no material deficit.

How To Find The Only Good Move

Step 1 — Recognize the critical moment: White's last move c3 prepared to recapture on c4. You must decide immediately: do you give the pawn back or fight to keep it?

Step 2 — Eliminate the traps: Notice that if you play e6, White plays Bxc4 and your queenside remains cramped. You need a move that creates counter-pressure.

Step 3 — Verify the solution: The engine confirms that after b5 a4 b4 Na2 e6, you've successfully disrupted White's coordination. The a2 is temporarily misplaced, giving you time to develop.

📚 Pattern: This is a classic Queens Gambit Accepted structure. When White delays recapturing the pawn, b5 is the standard way to punish their lack of precision and secure a queenside space advantage.