Grunfeld Defense
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5
A defense for Black
Give White the centre, then destroy it with pieces.
Show me the opening
0 / 6 moves
The idea
Black plays ...d5 to offer a pawn to White's already-strong centre, then attacks the resulting pawn chain with ...c5, the bishop on g7, and active piece play. A truly counterattacking defense.
The plan
Let White take on d5 and build a big centre with e4. Then attack it with ...c5 and the bishop on g7. The fianchettoed bishop is Black's strongest piece.
What to play next
After the Exchange Variation, White builds a dominant centre with e4. Black immediately attacks it with ...c5 after developing the bishop to g7. White plays Bc4 and Ne2 to reinforce the centre. Black develops the knight to c6 to add more pressure on d4. The game revolves around whether Black can destroy White's centre.
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e4 Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bg7 7.Bc4 c5 8.Ne2 Nc6
Watch the typical continuation
Show me the opening
0 / 16 moves
One tip for beginners
The Grunfeld requires good understanding of dynamic play. Learn the Exchange Variation (4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e4) first - it's the most principled and educational line.
What to watch out for
Don't be afraid of White's big centre after the exchange. Your bishop on g7 and the ...c5 break are more powerful than they look.
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