1.c4 c6

Hello:

   I play the Slav against 1.d4 and am learning the Caro Kann against 1.e4.

I played 1...c6 against the english yesterday (playing an IM in a simul) and we transposed into a Slav.  Given your experience, does 1.c4 c6 typically transpose into a Slav or C-K?

For those who open with 1.c4, how do you typically respond to 1..c6?

thanks,gf

It could transpaose into an Accelerated Panov Attack, or a Slav, depending on what White likes better. 1...c6 is intending a d5-pawn thrust for the most part, so you could respond  by 2.d4 or 2.e5 intending to advance the e5-pawn after an exchange.

Usually when I play it goes: 1. c4 c6  2. Nf3 d5  3. b3 then there are many options for Black. Some play a London System set up with ... Bf5 followed by ... e6, some play ... dxc4, some leave the tension and play for an eventual e5.

Yes, it normally transposes into a Slav/Semi-Slav or Caro-Kann : Accelerated Panov. Ideally, I would choose whichever system my opponent doesn't play.

Or white could play a reti...

1.c4 c6 2.g3 d5 3.Bg2 Nf6 4.Nf3