Grunfeld Defense

Overview

The Grunfeld Defense (1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5) is a dynamic hypermodern opening where Black concedes the center to White then systematically attacks it. The fianchettoed bishop on g7 and central pawn breaks create enormous tactical and strategic complexity.

Position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5

Key Ideas

• Black allows White to build a broad pawn center with cxd5 and e4, then counter-attacks it with ...c5.
• The bishop on g7 is the cornerstone of Black's strategy, bearing down on the long diagonal.
• White must support the center carefully; if the pawns collapse, Black's pieces become dominant.
• The Exchange Variation (4. cxd5 Nxd5 5. e4) is the most critical test of the Grunfeld.

Main Variations

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History

Ernst Grunfeld introduced this defense in 1922, and it became a favorite of Bobby Fischer, Garry Kasparov, and Peter Svidler. Kasparov's famous games in the Exchange Variation are cornerstones of opening theory.