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    Chess Openings

    Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Modern Exchange Variation

    1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e4 Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bg7 7.Nf3 · ECO D85

    Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Modern Exchange Variation position after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e4 Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bg7 7.Nf3. White: pawn on d4, pawn on e4, pawn on c3, knight on f3, pawn on a2, pawn on f2, pawn on g2, pawn on h2, rook on a1, bishop on c1, queen on d1, king on e1, bishop on f1, rook on h1. Black: rook on a8, knight on b8, bishop on c8, queen on d8, king on e8, rook on h8, pawn on a7, pawn on b7, pawn on c7, pawn on e7, pawn on f7, bishop on g7, pawn on h7, pawn on g6.

    Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Modern Exchange Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e4 Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bg7 7.Nf3. It is classified D85 in the ECO system, and the position after these moves has black to move. The Grünfeld invites White to build a large pawn centre with cxd5 and e4, then attacks it immediately from the fianchettoed bishop and with c5. Where the King's Indian delays the counterstrike, the Grünfeld begins it at once.

    This position can also be reached by 2 other move orders, including 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e4 Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bg7 7.Nf3 c5.

    Strategic character

    White gets a big centre and space; Black gets piece pressure aimed at it and a clear plan. If White's centre holds, White is usually much better; if Black dissolves it, Black's activity tells. There is little middle ground, which is what makes it sharp.

    Who should play it

    Players comfortable with dynamic positions where piece activity has to compensate for a spatial disadvantage.

    This line is a variation within the Grünfeld Defense family. The strategic ideas above describe the family as a whole; this particular line reaches them by the move order 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e4 Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bg7 7.Nf3.

    Variations continuing from this position

    Each of these is a named opening reached by playing on from 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e4 Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bg7 7.Nf3. Open any of them to load the position on the board.

    Frequently asked questions

    What is the Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Modern Exchange Variation?
    The Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Modern Exchange Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e4 Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bg7 7.Nf3. It is classified D85 in the ECO system. The Grünfeld invites White to build a large pawn centre with cxd5 and e4, then attacks it immediately from the fianchettoed bishop and with c5. Where the King's Indian delays the counterstrike, the Grünfeld begins it at once.
    What are the moves of the Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Modern Exchange Variation?
    1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e4 Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bg7 7.Nf3. After these moves it is black to move.
    Is the Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Modern Exchange Variation good for beginners?
    Players comfortable with dynamic positions where piece activity has to compensate for a spatial disadvantage.
    What variations come from the Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Modern Exchange Variation?
    Named continuations include Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Modern Exchange Variation, Pawn Grab Line. There are 1 named variations reachable from this position in total.