Neo-Grünfeld Defense · D77

Classical Variation, Modern Defense

1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. g3 Bg7 4. Bg2 O-O 5. O-O d5 6. c4 dxc4

An early pawn trade leaves the c-file as White's avenue and the d-file as Black's - both sides get real winning chances down their own file. Black comes out ahead on material - White needs concrete play to justify it. White's kingside bishop takes the long diagonal and Black's kingside bishop takes the long diagonal.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. d4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 1... Nf6 Develops the knight to f6, eyeing d5 and e4.
• 2. Nf3 Develops the knight to f3, eyeing d4 and e5. It also props up the d4 pawn. Theory calls this the Knights Variation.
• 2... g6 Prepares the fianchetto: the bishop will take the long diagonal via g7. Theory calls this the East Indian Defense.

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