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.
Gruenfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, 5.e4 Nxc3
This line arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. cxd5 Nxd5 5. e4 Nxc3. Here, Black immediately challenges White's strong center by exchanging the knight on c3. The capture on c3 is characteristic because it inflicts doubled pawns on White's c-file, aiming to undermine White's central control and create structural weaknesses.
From White's perspective, the move 5.e4 is an aggressive attempt to seize the center with pawns and gain spatial advantage. Black's response with 5...Nxc3 is both defensive and counterattacking: it reduces White's center influence and prepares to pressure the d4 pawn and White's center in the long term.
This opening strongly focuses on contesting the center. White aggressively occupies it with pawns, while Black uses piece pressure and structural imbalances to challenge White’s central dominance.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Gruenfeld: Exchange, 5.e4 Nxc3, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 13 - Move #9 white
You can also discover how top players used Gruenfeld: Exchange, 5.e4 Nxc3 to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.