Grünfeld Defense (for Black)

The Grünfeld Defense (1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5) lets White build a big pawn center in order to attack it. It is a dynamic defense, played by many world champions.

The principle

Black's fianchettoed bishop eyes the long diagonal and the d4 pawn. Black strikes the center with the c-pawn and the pieces, instead of occupying it with pawns.

The main line: the Exchange Variation

4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e4 Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bg7 7.Bc4 c5 8.Ne2 Nc6 9.Be3 O-O 10.O-O. White has an imposing center; Black attacks it from every side, and the game revolves around the d4 pawn.

Main variations

• Russian Variation: 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Qb3 dxc4 6.Qxc4 O-O 7.e4 Bg4 8.Be3 Nfd7. White takes the center with the queen; Black challenges it with the pieces.
• Brinckmann Attack: 4.Bf4 Bg7 5.e3 c5 6.dxc5 Qa5 7.Rc1 dxc4 8.Bxc4 O-O. A calmer game in which Black quickly regains the pawn.
• Modern Exchange: 7.Nf3 c5 8.Rb1 O-O 9.Be2. White's rook goes to the b-file to bother Black's development.

Typical mistakes

With Black, letting White's center advance without challenging it: it becomes crushing. With White, advancing without protecting the d4 pawn, the target of the whole defense.

Coach's advice

The Grünfeld requires calculation but teaches you how to play against a center. Remember the Exchange Variation and the idea of striking with the c-pawn. Click the colored moves to follow each line, then ask me your questions.

Main line

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e4 Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bg7 7.Bc4 c5 8.Ne2 Nc6 9.Be3 O-O 10.O-O