This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Neo-Grünfeld Defense: Classical Variation, Modern Defense
This opening arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. g3 Bg7 4. Bg2 O-O 5. O-O d5 6. c4 dxc4. It is a flexible and dynamic system where Black challenges White's center indirectly.
Characteristic of the move 6...dxc4: Black captures the pawn on c4 to temporarily relinquish control of the center but aims to undermine and counterattack White’s central pawns later. This move is typical of Grünfeld structures, where Black allows White to build a strong center initially, planning to strike back actively.
Attacking or Defensive: From Black’s perspective, this is a counterattacking opening, seeking active play against White’s center rather than passive defense. White usually tries to maintain or regain central control and develop pressure. Thus, White’s approach is more positional and central, while Black aims for dynamic counterplay.
Center Control: This opening is very much centered around the fight for the center. White tries to establish a strong pawn center with d4 and c4, while Black uses piece pressure and timely pawn breaks to challenge and undermine it.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Neo-Grünfeld Defense: Classical Variation, Modern Defense, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 1 - Move #34 black
You can also discover how top players used Neo-Grünfeld Defense: Classical Variation, Modern Defense to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.