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 6.bxc3 Bg7
This variation arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. cxd5 Nxd5 5. e4 Nxc3 6. bxc3 Bg7. Here, White aims to establish a strong pawn center with e4 and d4, while Black challenges it actively by exchanging on c3 and fianchettoing the bishop to g7.
Characteristic: The hallmark of this line is White’s robust central pawn duo on d4 and e4, supported by the doubled c-pawns, which give White both central control and dynamic chances. Black’s capture on c3 doubles White’s pawns but opens lines for White’s bishops and keeps pressure on the center via the fianchettoed bishop.
Playing style: White adopts an attacking posture, focusing on central space and potential kingside expansion. Black plays in a counterattacking manner, aiming to undermine White’s center and exploit the long diagonal with the bishop on g7.
Center control: White clearly attacks and controls the center with pawns on d4 and e4, while Black tries to challenge and break this center using piece pressure rather than direct pawn confrontation.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Gruenfeld: Exchange, 5.e4 Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bg7, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 11 - Move #9 black
You can also discover how top players used Gruenfeld: Exchange, 5.e4 Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bg7 to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.