Grünfeld Defense: Russian Variation, Yugoslav 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.Qb3 c5. White: pawn on d4, pawn on e4, queen on b3, knight on c3, bishop on e3, knight on f3, pawn on a2, pawn on b2, pawn on f2, pawn on g2, pawn on h2, rook on a1, king on e1, bishop on f1, rook on h1. Black: rook on a8, knight on b8, queen on d8, rook on f8, king on g8, pawn on a7, pawn on b7, knight on d7, pawn on e7, pawn on f7, bishop on g7, pawn on h7, pawn on g6, pawn on c5, bishop on g4.
Grünfeld Defense: Russian Variation, Yugoslav 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.Qb3 c5. It is classified D99 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.Nf3 Bg7 5.Qb3 dxc4 6.Qxc4 O-O 7.e4 Bg4 8.Be3 Nfd7 9.Qb3 c5.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Grünfeld Defense: Russian Variation, Yugoslav Variation?
The Grünfeld Defense: Russian Variation, Yugoslav 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.Qb3 c5. It is classified D99 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, Yugoslav 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.Qb3 c5. After these moves it is white to move.
Is the Grünfeld Defense: Russian Variation, Yugoslav Variation good for beginners?
Players comfortable with dynamic positions where piece activity has to compensate for a spatial disadvantage.