Slav Defense: Diemer Gambit: what should White play?

In the Slav Defense: Diemer Gambit, White's most effective continuation is the immediate recapture Bxc4. This move restores material equality while developing the kingside light-squared bishop and securing a commanding pawn duo on d4 and e4. Computer analysis rates Bxc4 clearly highest among alternatives, awarding White an evaluation of +1.19 in a position that has occurred in 365,888 recorded games.

Regaining the Gambit Pawn

Playing Bxc4 liquidates the doubled pawn on c4 before Black can comfortably reinforce it. Because White maintains pawns on both central files, the bishop on c4 enjoys open diagonals toward Black's kingside. An illustrative engine continuation runs Bxc4 b5 Bb3 a5 Bc2 Nf6, where Black expands on the queenside while White safely preserves the bishop pair along the c2–h7 battery.

Alternative Approaches

Other fifth-move options for White surrender the immediate recapture and score considerably lower in evaluation. The prophylactic a4 (+0.21) directly challenges queenside pawn pushes and can lead to a4 Nf6 e5 Nd5 Bxc4 Bf5. Alternatively, developing moves such as Nc3 (+0.16) and Nf3 (+0.02) allow Black the option to advance on the flank, as seen in lines like Nc3 b5 a4 b4 Na2 Nf6 or Nf3 b5 a4 e6 axb5 cxb5. The passive Be2 rates at -0.08, yielding White's edge entirely after Be2 b5 a4 e6 Nh3 Bb4+.