ECO code: D91
Opening Name: Grünfeld Defense, 5.Bg5 Ne4 6.cxd5 Nxg5
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. Nf3 Bg7 5. Bg5 Ne4 6. cxd5 Nxg5
Description: In this variation of the Grünfeld Defense, White develops the bishop to g5 on move 5, pinning Black’s knight on f6 and putting indirect pressure on the center. Black responds actively with Ne4, challenging White’s control over the center and provoking exchanges. After White captures the d5 pawn, Black replies with Nxg5, exchanging knights and aiming to reduce White’s central influence.
Characteristic of this move: The move 5...Ne4 is a thematic Grünfeld idea where Black places a knight in the center to challenge White's grip and provoke structural concessions. The capture 6...Nxg5 further simplifies the position and aims to undermine White’s central presence by exchanging minor pieces.
Attacking or Defensive: For Black, these moves are attacking in nature, actively contesting the center and seeking counterplay. For White, the position remains somewhat positional and flexible, focusing on maintaining central control and development rather than direct attack immediately.
Center Control: This opening variation is highly focused on the center. Both sides contest and challenge the central squares aggressively, typical of the Grünfeld Defense’s strategic theme of allowing White to build a strong pawn center only to target it dynamically.
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: 5.Bg5 Ne4 6.cxd5 Nxg5, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 1 - Move #31 white