Grünfeld Exchange Variation — Chess Library

Black lets White build a big center and then attacks it. The whole opening is an argument about whether a broad pawn center is strength or a target.

Lesson

White to move. Main line: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. cxd5 Nxd5 5. e4 Nxc3 6. bxc3 Bg7 7. Nf3 c5

Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Modern Exchange Variation (D85). The line runs 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. cxd5 Nxd5 5. e4 Nxc3 6. bxc3 Bg7 7. Nf3 c5 — the move order matters, and this is the one the theory follows.

White’s pawns on c3, d4 and e4 claim space; Black’s g7-bishop and ...c5 attack that chain from a distance. The center is powerful only while it can keep moving.

White usually supports d4 and prepares e5; Black increases pressure with ...Nc6 and ...Bg4. Every exchange should be judged by whether it strengthens or dissolves White’s center.