Neo-Grünfeld Defense · D71

Exchange Variation, after 1. c4

1. c4 Nf6 2. g3 g6 3. Bg2 Bg7 4. d4 d5 5. cxd5 Nxd5 6. Nf3

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. White's kingside bishop takes the long diagonal and Black's kingside bishop takes the long diagonal.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. c4 Fights for d5 from the flank - contesting the centre without committing a centre pawn. Theory calls this the English Opening.
• 1... Nf6 Develops the knight to f6, eyeing d5 and e4. Theory calls this the Anglo-Indian Defense.
• 2. g3 Prepares the fianchetto: the bishop will take the long diagonal via g2.
• 2... g6 Prepares the fianchetto: the bishop will take the long diagonal via g7.

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