Grünfeld Defense
The Grünfeld Defense is a hypermodern opening that allows White to build a strong center, then attacks it with pieces. It leads to dynamic, tactical positions with rich theory.
Available Lines
After 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Qb3 dxc4 6.Qxc4 O-O 7.e4 Na6, White enters the Russian Variation with the Prins Variation setup. This flexible system, named after Lodewijk Prins, aims for active piece play and central control. White prepares to create pressure on Black's position while maintaining a solid pawn structure.
After 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e3 g6 5.Nf3 Bg7 6.Bd3 O-O 7.O-O Bg4, Black enters the Smyslov Defense, developing the light-squared bishop to g4 before playing e6. This flexible system, named after Vasily Smyslov, aims for solid development and strategic maneuvering. Black prepares to create pressure on White's position while maintaining a flexible pawn structure.
After 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e4 Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bg7 7.Bc4 O-O 8.Ne2 Nc6, White enters the Exchange Variation with Simagin's Improved Variation setup. This flexible system, named after Vladimir Simagin, aims for active piece play and central control. White prepares to create pressure on Black's position while maintaining a solid pawn structure.