Gruenfeld: 4.Bf4 Bg7 5.e3 c5

Before the first move

The Grünfeld Defense is a dynamic counter-attacking opening where Black allows White to build a large pawn center only to strike back at it immediately. In this variation, White develops the dark-squared bishop early to f4 to stabilize the center, while Black uses the c5 break to challenge White's control.

1. d4White · your move

Push your pawn to d4. This move claims the center and opens lines for your queen and dark-squared bishop. It is the foundation of most strategic queen's pawn openings, aiming for long-term control and a solid structure.

1... Nf6Black

Black responds with Nf6, the most popular and flexible reply to d4. This move prevents White from playing e4 and keeps the game in Indian Defense territory. Other moves like e6 or d5 are common, but even sharper ideas like the Englund Gambit with e5 exist.

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

2. c4White · your move

Push your pawn to c4. This is the standard follow-up to d4, putting pressure on the d5 square and preparing to bring your knight to c3. You are building a powerful pawn duo that controls the heart of the board.

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, preparing to develop the bishop to g7. This hypermodern approach invites White to take more space. Black could also choose e6, leading toward the Queen's Indian, or even Nc6, known as the Mexican Defense.

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

3. Nc3White · your move

Develop your knight to c3. This move increases your control over the d5 and e4 squares. It is a natural developing move that prepares for further central expansion and supports your d4 pawn.

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) · g3 (King's Indian Defense: Fianchetto Variation, Immediate Fianchetto)

3... d5Black

Black plays d5, the signature move of the Grünfeld. Unlike the King's Indian Defense where Black might play d6, here Black fights for the center immediately. This forces White to address the tension on d4 and c4 right away.

Other paths here: Bg7 (King's Indian: 3.Nc3 Bg7) · c5 (King's Indian: 3.Nc3 c5) · c6 (King's Indian: 3.Nc3 c6) · d6 (King's Indian: 3.Nc3 d6)

4. Bf4White · your move

Develop your bishop to f4. This is a solid and aggressive square that puts pressure on the d6 square and supports your center. You are avoiding the main-line exchange variations to keep more pieces on the board for a complex struggle.

Other paths here: e3 (Gruenfeld: 4.e3) · g3 (Gruenfeld: 4.g3) · g4 (Grünfeld Defense: Gibbon Gambit) · f3 (Grünfeld Defense: Lutikov Variation)

4... Bg7Black

Black continues with Bg7, completing the fianchetto. The bishop is now perfectly placed to support the upcoming central strikes. Black's strategy revolves around this piece's influence over the dark squares in the center and queenside.

5. e3White · your move

Solidify your center with e3. This move defends your d4 pawn and opens the path for your light-squared bishop to develop. You are creating a very sturdy chain of pawns that will be difficult for Black to break.

Other paths here: Rc1 (Grünfeld Defense: Brinckmann Attack, Reshevsky Gambit)

5... c5Black

Black plays c5, the most energetic response. This move challenges White's d4 pawn directly and opens lines for the black queen. While castling is a safe alternative, c5 is the most principled way to fight for the initiative in this line.

Other paths here: O-O (Grünfeld Defense: Brinckmann Attack, Grünfeld Gambit)

Where you stand

The position is highly imbalanced and full of tactical possibilities. White has a solid central presence and well-developed pieces, while Black has successfully challenged the center and has a powerful bishop on g7. White will look to maintain the central tension or simplify into a favorable endgame, while Black will continue to pressure d4 and use the open c-file.

• d4-c5 Capture on c5 to open the center
• a1-c1 Bring the rook to the open c-file
• d8-a5 Develop the queen to pressure c3
• e8-g8 Safeguard the king before central action