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Train this openingAbout this opening
Black lets you build a huge pawn center and then attacks it from the side, which is the purest hypermodern idea in the openings. cxd5 is the most played move here, and after cxd5 Nxd5 e4 you have the full center and Black has the bishop on g7 aimed straight at it. Do not mistake the space for an advantage yet: every one of those center pawns is a target, and Black will hit them with c5 and Bg7 rather than trying to blockade. The practical test is whether your center becomes a rolling advantage or a collection of weaknesses.
Plans
- Take on d5 and build the big center with e4.
- Support the center with Be3 and Rc1 before advancing further.
- Meet the c5 break by holding the center rather than trading.
- Advance only when every pawn in the center has a defender.
Where the pieces belong
- Pawn: e4, the center Black intends to demolish
- Bishop: e3, holding d4 against the long diagonal
- Rook: c1, on the file Black will open with c5
- Knight: f3, covering d4
- Pawn: d5 later, if the center can safely roll forward
Your center against Black's pieces. If it advances safely you win space and the game, and if it cracks the bishop on g7 becomes the strongest piece on the board.
Variations
Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation
4. cxd5 Nxd5
Grünfeld Defense: Pachman Variation
4. e3 Bg7 5. Qb3 dxc4 6. Bxc4 O-O 7. Nf3 Nbd7 8. Ng5