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    Chess Openings

    Grünfeld Defense: Lundin Variation

    1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.Bg5 Ne4 5.Nxe4 dxe4 6.Qd2 c5 · ECO D80

    Grünfeld Defense: Lundin Variation position after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.Bg5 Ne4 5.Nxe4 dxe4 6.Qd2 c5. White: bishop on g5, pawn on c4, pawn on d4, pawn on a2, pawn on b2, queen on d2, pawn on e2, pawn on f2, pawn on g2, pawn on h2, rook on a1, king on e1, bishop on f1, knight on g1, rook on h1. Black: rook on a8, knight on b8, bishop on c8, queen on d8, king on e8, bishop on f8, rook on h8, pawn on a7, pawn on b7, pawn on e7, pawn on f7, pawn on h7, pawn on g6, pawn on c5, pawn on e4.

    Grünfeld Defense: Lundin Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.Bg5 Ne4 5.Nxe4 dxe4 6.Qd2 c5. It is classified D80 in the ECO system, and the position after these moves has white 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.Bg5 Ne4 5.Nxe4 dxe4 6.Qd2 c5.

    Frequently asked questions

    What is the Grünfeld Defense: Lundin Variation?
    The Grünfeld Defense: Lundin Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.Bg5 Ne4 5.Nxe4 dxe4 6.Qd2 c5. It is classified D80 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: Lundin Variation?
    1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.Bg5 Ne4 5.Nxe4 dxe4 6.Qd2 c5. After these moves it is white to move.
    Is the Grünfeld Defense: Lundin Variation good for beginners?
    Players comfortable with dynamic positions where piece activity has to compensate for a spatial disadvantage.

    Study this opening