Neo-Grünfeld Defense · D75

Delayed Exchange Variation, after 2. Nf3, through 8. dxc5

1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. c4 Bg7 4. g3 O-O 5. Bg2 d5 6. cxd5 Nxd5 7. O-O c5 8. dxc5

The structure hands Black the half-open c-file - rook pressure down it is a standing plan. White is up material out of the opening - Black is banking on activity to show for 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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