Van Geet Opening · B01

Grünfeld Defense

1. e4 d5 2. Nc3 dxe4 3. Nxe4 e5

An early pawn trade leaves the d-file as Black's avenue and the e-file as White's - both sides get real winning chances down their own file.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. e4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 1... d5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e4, and frees the bishop and queen. Theory calls this the Scandinavian Defense.
• 2. Nc3 Develops the knight to c3, eyeing d5 and e4. It also props up the e4 pawn.
• 2... dxe4 Takes the pawn on e4, toward the centre and opens the d-file for the queen.

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