Neo-Gruenfeld, 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.e4 Nb6 7.Ne2

Before the first move

The Neo-Gruenfeld is a dynamic opening where Black allows White to build a massive pawn center, only to attack it later with pieces. In this specific line, White uses a kingside fianchetto to bolster the center and keep the position solid. It is a battle of space versus activity.

1. d4White · your move

Push your pawn to d4. This move claims the center and opens paths for your queen and dark-squared bishop. It is the foundation for most closed openings, setting a deliberate pace for the game.

1... Nf6Black

Black replies Nf6, the most popular and flexible defense. By avoiding immediate pawn commitments like the Englund Gambit or the Horwitz Defense, Black keeps their options open for several different systems.

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

2. c4White · your move

Advance your pawn to c4. This is the standard follow-up to d4, putting further pressure on the d5-square and preparing to develop your knight behind the pawn. You are building a powerful central presence.

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

Black plays g6, signaling an intent to enter King's Indian or Gruenfeld territory. Other options like the Mexican Defense or the Queen's Indian Accelerated lead to very different pawn structures and piece placements.

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

3. g3White · your move

Push your pawn to g3. You are mirroring Black's setup to create a very solid kingside. This fianchetto will protect your king and exert long-term pressure along the h1-a8 diagonal.

Other paths here: d5 (Indian Defense: Anti-Grünfeld, Advance Variation) · f3 (Indian Defense: Anti-Grünfeld, Alekhine Variation) · h4 (Indian Defense: Anti-Grünfeld, Basman-Williams Attack) · Bg5 (King's Indian: 3.Bg5)

3... d5Black

Black plays d5, the defining move of the Gruenfeld. If Black had played Bg7 instead, the game would remain in King's Indian territory, but this central challenge forces an immediate confrontation.

Other paths here: Bg7 (King's Indian: 3.g3)

4. Bg2White · your move

Develop your bishop to g2. This completes your kingside fianchetto. The bishop is now a powerful long-range piece that defends your center and eyes the queenside from a safe distance.

Other paths here: cxd5 (Neo-Gruenfeld: 4.cxd5)

4... Bg7Black

Black plays Bg7, completing their own fianchetto. While Black sometimes plays c6 here to solidify the center, the bishop development is the most active and principled continuation.

Other paths here: c6 (Neo-Gruenfeld: 4.Bg2 c6)

5. cxd5White · your move

Capture the pawn on d5. By trading your c-pawn for Black's d-pawn, you clear the way for your e-pawn to advance and eventually drive Black's knight away from the center.

Other paths here: Nf3 (Neo-Gruenfeld, 5.Nf3)

5... Nxd5Black

Black recaptures with Nxd5. This is the standard response, as taking with the knight maintains pressure on d4 and keeps the long diagonal open for the dark-squared bishop.

6. e4White · your move

Push your pawn to e4. This is a bold move that seizes the center and forces Black's knight to move. You are building the massive pawn center that the Gruenfeld is famous for.

Other paths here: Nc3 (Neo-Gruenfeld, 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Nc3)

6... Nb6Black

Black moves the knight to b6. The alternative Nb4 is much sharper and more tactical, but Nb6 is the solid main-line choice, preparing to challenge the center with c7-c5 later.

Other paths here: Nb4 (Neo-Gruenfeld, 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.e4 Nb4)

7. Ne2White · your move

Bring your knight to e2. This is a subtle and strong move. By developing to e2 instead of f3, you keep the f-pawn free to move and you avoid blocking your own bishop on g2.

Where you stand

The position is balanced but full of tension. White has a formidable pawn center and a solid kingside, while Black has excellent piece activity and will look to undermine d4 with moves like c5 or e5. Both sides will castle soon, and the battle will revolve around whether White's center is a strength or a target.

• e1-g1 Castle kingside to secure the king
• b1-c3 Develop the knight to support d4
• c7-c5 Strike at the center with c5
• e8-g8 Castle to complete early development