ECO code: D85
Opening Name: Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, 5.e4 Nxc3 6.bxc3 c5
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. cxd5 Nxd5 5. e4 Nxc3 6. bxc3 c5
Description: In this line of the Grünfeld Exchange Variation, White establishes a strong pawn center with e4 and d4, aiming to control the center and gain space. Black challenges this center immediately with the thematic ...c5, putting pressure on White’s d4-pawn and seeking counterplay on the central and queenside squares. The capture on c3 by Black exchanges a knight for a bishop's pawn, often resulting in White having a solid but somewhat compromised pawn structure (the doubled c-pawns), which can be both a strength in controlling the center and a potential long-term weakness.
Characteristic: The move ...c5 is characteristic of the Grünfeld Defense’s hypermodern approach—Black allows White to build a broad pawn center, only to attack and undermine it dynamically with pieces and timely pawn breaks.
Attacking or Defensive: As White, the approach is primarily attacking, aiming to maintain and expand central control and space advantage. Black’s play is counter-attacking, focusing on putting pressure on White’s center and creating counterplay rather than directly defending.
Center Control: Yes, this opening strongly revolves around the central tension. White tries to dominate the center with pawns, while Black actively contests and attacks the center with pieces and pawn breaks, leading to rich strategic and tactical battles.
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.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Gruenfeld: Exchange, 5.e4 Nxc3 6.bxc3 c5, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 1 - Move #27 white