I've recently started playing the Slav (having been a Tarrasch player for a long time). I've gotten really comfortable with the Caro-Kann (1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5), so it was natural that I try out the Slav. So far I really like it. On that, I have two things to say:

First, is there any real downside to responding to 1.d4 with 1...c6 if I am an experienced Caro-Kann player that is picking up the Slav?

Second, I'd like to invite you all to the Slav Open tournament, starting later today. More info here.

 

Well, if the guy plays cxd5, the game is very boring and will probably lead to a draw.  I really like the Semi-Slav, combining c6 and e6 because of its dynamic potential.

True, the exchange variation is drawish. I'd be surprised if the majority of participants choose that path as White, given that it's not as fun. Plus, while it's drawish with best play, my experience is that "best play" is not a guarantee, at least at the sub 1700 level, which covers a lot of the people here.

 

I think 1.c6, while ineresting, might be a bit premature. It may transpose into a Slav or Caro-Kann readily enough, (and typically, were I playing Black, I'd hope for such, as a CK player).

 

The trouble, I think, comes when White transposes to something else, where Black would want to play a quick c5 break (Stonewall is just one example) and Black is down a tempo from the get-go.

I'm rated 1555 and just beat a guy rated 1802 with the slav.  It's definitely one of the strongest replies to the queens gambit.

As Black you should be carful of the variation 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 e6 4.e4 which can lead to a very sharp game.

I like the semi-slav better, possibly because I like slower, closed positions