Gruenfeld: 5.Bg5 dxc4

Before the first move

The Grünfeld Defense is a dynamic, hypermodern response to 1.d4 where Black allows White to build a large center only to attack it later. In this specific variation, White develops the dark-squared bishop early to pin the knight, and Black responds by immediately capturing on c4 to challenge White's central control.

1. d4White · your move

Push your pawn to d4 to claim space in the center and open lines for your queen and dark-squared bishop. This is the foundation of many strategic systems where you aim for long-term control of the board's heart.

1... Nf6Black

Black responds with Nf6, the most popular and flexible reply. This prevents White from grabbing the whole center with e4. While Black could try the Englund Gambit with e5 or the solid Horwitz Defense with e6, the knight move is the gold standard.

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 to fight for more central space and prepare to develop your knight behind it. This move puts pressure on the d5 square and is a hallmark of the Queen's Gambit and Indian structures.

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 a hypermodern approach. By preparing to fianchetto the bishop, Black is looking for a dynamic counter-attacking game. Other tries like the Mexican Defense with Nc6 or the Queen's Indian Accelerated with b6 lead to very different pawn structures.

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

Bring your knight to c3 to reinforce your control over the d5 and e4 squares. This move develops a piece toward the center and prepares for a full central occupation if Black allows it.

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 defining move of the Grünfeld. If Black had played Bg7 instead, it would remain a King's Indian Defense. By putting the pawn on d5, Black forces a confrontation in the center before White can finish their development.

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. Nf3White · your move

Develop your other knight to f3. This move supports your d4 pawn and prepares for kingside castling. It is a solid, classical developing move that keeps the tension in the center while you complete your minor piece deployment.

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

4... Bg7Black

Black completes the fianchetto with Bg7, the soul of their position. The bishop now stares down the long diagonal. While the Schlechter Variation with c6 is a solid alternative, developing the bishop is the most thematic and active choice.

Other paths here: c6 (Gruenfeld: Schlechter, 5.Qb3)

5. Bg5White · your move

Slide your bishop to g5 to pin the knight on f6. This move creates immediate pressure and asks Black how they intend to defend their d5 pawn. It is a provocative development that often leads to very sharp tactical play.

Other paths here: cxd5 (Gruenfeld: Three Knights Exchange) · g3 (Gruenfeld: Three Knights, 5.g3) · Qa4+ (Grünfeld Defense: Flohr Variation) · Bf4 (Grünfeld Defense: Three Knights Variation, Hungarian Attack)

5... dxc4Black

Black captures on c4, a move that clarifies the central tension. This is a sharp response to the pin. Black could also try the solid c6 or the very aggressive Ne4, but taking on c4 forces White to spend time regaining the pawn.

Other paths here: c6 (Gruenfeld: 5.Bg5 c6) · Ne4 (Gruenfeld: 5.Bg5 Ne4)

Where you stand

The position is highly unbalanced and full of tactical possibilities. White will likely play e4 next to seize the full center and prepare to recapture on c4 with the bishop. Black will look to pressure d4 immediately, often using moves like c5 or Nc6, while relying on the powerful g7 bishop to dominate the long diagonal.

• e2-e4 Seize the full center with e4
• f1-c4 Recapture the pawn and develop the bishop
• c8-g4 Develop the bishop to pin White's knight
• c7-c5 Strike at the d4 pawn immediately