Neo-Grünfeld Defense: Goglidze Attack

Before the first move

The Neo-Grünfeld: Goglidze Attack is a sharp, provocative system where White uses an early f3 to solidify the center and prepare for a massive e4 push. As Black, you challenge this setup immediately by striking at d5, leading to a dynamic battle where White's central space is pitted against your piece activity.

1. d4White

White begins with d4, the most common alternative to e4. By occupying the center, White prepares to develop their pieces behind a solid pawn wall. You will need to decide how to respond: will you meet it symmetrically with d5, or play more flexibly with Nf6 or even the sharp Englund Gambit?

1... Nf6Black · your move

Develop your knight to f6. This is the most flexible response to d4, preventing White from immediately playing e4 and keeping your options open. You are preparing to see how White commits their pawns before deciding on your own pawn structure, whether it be a King's Indian or a Nimzo-Indian.

Other paths here: Na6 (Australian Defense) · g5 (Borg Defense: Borg Gambit) · b6 (English Defense) · e5 (Englund Gambit)

2. c4White

White plays c4, doubling down on central control. This is the main line of the Indian defenses. White could have tried the London System-style f4 (the Canard) or the more positional g3, but c4 is the most ambitious way to fight for a long-term advantage.

Other paths here: f4 (Canard Opening) · g4 (Indian Defense: Gibbins-Weidenhagen Gambit) · e4 (Indian Defense: Omega Gambit) · d5 (Indian Defense: Pawn Push Variation)

2... g6Black · your move

Push your pawn to g6. You are preparing to fianchetto your bishop to g7, a key component of the King's Indian and Grünfeld setups. This hypermodern approach allows White to occupy the center with pawns while you prepare to attack that center from the flanks with your pieces.

Other paths here: g5 (Indian Defense: Medusa Gambit) · b5 (Indian Defense: Pyrenees Gambit) · a6 (Indian: 2.c4 a6) · Nc6 (Mexican Defense)

3. f3White

White plays the provocative f3, known as the Goglidze Attack or Alekhine's Anti-Grünfeld. White wants to build a giant center with e2-e4. This is a sharp alternative to the standard Nf3 or the Fianchetto Variation with g3, forcing you to react to White's central ambitions immediately.

Other paths here: d5 (Indian Defense: Anti-Grünfeld, Advance Variation) · h4 (Indian Defense: Anti-Grünfeld, Basman-Williams Attack) · g3 (King's Indian Defense: Fianchetto Variation, Immediate Fianchetto) · Bg5 (King's Indian: 3.Bg5)

3... d5Black · your move

Strike at the center with d5. This is the defining move of the Grünfeld Defense. By challenging the c4-pawn immediately, you force White to decide the central tension. You are inviting White to take on d5 or push e4, leading to a highly tactical and unbalanced position.

Other paths here: e5 (Indian Defense: Anti-Grünfeld, Alekhine Variation, Leko Gambit)

Where you stand

The position is now a full-blooded Neo-Grünfeld. White will likely capture on d5 or play e4, leading to a situation where White has a massive pawn center but Black has excellent piece activity and pressure against d4. Both sides must play accurately: White to maintain the center, and Black to dismantle it.

• c4-d5 Trade pawns to open the c-file
• e2-e4 Establish a massive pawn center
• f8-g7 Fianchetto the bishop to pressure d4
• f6-d5 Recapture on d5 with the knight
• e8-g8 Secure the king behind the fianchetto