Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Seville Variation position after 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 Bg4 11.f3 Na5 12.Bxf7+. White: bishop on f7, pawn on d4, pawn on e4, pawn on c3, bishop on e3, pawn on f3, pawn on a2, knight on e2, pawn on g2, pawn on h2, rook on a1, queen on d1, rook on f1, king on g1. Black: rook on a8, queen on d8, rook on f8, king on g8, pawn on a7, pawn on b7, pawn on e7, bishop on g7, pawn on h7, pawn on g6, knight on a5, pawn on c5, bishop on g4.
Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Seville 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.Bc4 c5 8.Ne2 Nc6 9.Be3 O-O 10.O-O Bg4 11.f3 Na5 12.Bxf7+. It is classified D87 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.
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.Bc4 c5 8.Ne2 Nc6 9.Be3 O-O 10.O-O Bg4 11.f3 Na5 12.Bxf7+.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Seville Variation?
The Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Seville 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.Bc4 c5 8.Ne2 Nc6 9.Be3 O-O 10.O-O Bg4 11.f3 Na5 12.Bxf7+. It is classified D87 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, Seville Variation?
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 Bg4 11.f3 Na5 12.Bxf7+. After these moves it is black to move.
Is the Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Seville Variation good for beginners?
Players comfortable with dynamic positions where piece activity has to compensate for a spatial disadvantage.