Grünfeld Defense: Russian Variation, Keres Variation position after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Qb3 dxc4 6.Qxc4 O-O 7.e4 Bg4 8.Be3 Nfd7 9.Be2 Nb6 10.Qd3 Nc6 11.O-O-O. White: pawn on d4, pawn on e4, knight on c3, queen on d3, bishop on e3, knight on f3, pawn on a2, pawn on b2, bishop on e2, pawn on f2, pawn on g2, pawn on h2, king on c1, rook on d1, rook on h1. Black: rook on a8, queen on d8, rook on f8, king on g8, pawn on a7, pawn on b7, pawn on c7, pawn on e7, pawn on f7, bishop on g7, pawn on h7, knight on b6, knight on c6, pawn on g6, bishop on g4.
Grünfeld Defense: Russian Variation, Keres Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Qb3 dxc4 6.Qxc4 O-O 7.e4 Bg4 8.Be3 Nfd7 9.Be2 Nb6 10.Qd3 Nc6 11.O-O-O. It is classified D98 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.Nf3 Bg7 5.Qb3 dxc4 6.Qxc4 O-O 7.e4 Bg4 8.Be3 Nfd7 9.Be2 Nb6 10.Qd3 Nc6 11.O-O-O.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Grünfeld Defense: Russian Variation, Keres Variation?
The Grünfeld Defense: Russian Variation, Keres Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Qb3 dxc4 6.Qxc4 O-O 7.e4 Bg4 8.Be3 Nfd7 9.Be2 Nb6 10.Qd3 Nc6 11.O-O-O. It is classified D98 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: Russian Variation, Keres Variation?
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Qb3 dxc4 6.Qxc4 O-O 7.e4 Bg4 8.Be3 Nfd7 9.Be2 Nb6 10.Qd3 Nc6 11.O-O-O. After these moves it is black to move.
Is the Grünfeld Defense: Russian Variation, Keres Variation good for beginners?
Players comfortable with dynamic positions where piece activity has to compensate for a spatial disadvantage.