Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation

ECO D85 · 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. cxd5 Nxd5

The Exchange Variation, 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e4 Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bg7, is the most direct test of the Grünfeld. White accepts Black's invitation and builds a big pawn center on c3, d4 and e4, while Black aims every piece at that center and especially at d4.

Plans for White

There are two main setups. The modern 7.Nf3 with Be2, O-O and often Rb1 or Be3 keeps the center solid. The classical 7.Bc4 with Ne2 keeps the f-pawn free for f3 or f4 and points the bishop at f7. White's dream is a protected passed d-pawn after d5, or a kingside attack backed by the center.

Plans for Black

Black castles and hits the center with ...c5, ...Nc6, ...Bg4 and ...Qa5, often trading on d4 with ...cxd4. The g7 bishop works along the long diagonal, and the queenside pawn majority gives Black good endgame chances. In 7.Nf3 c5 8.Rb1 O-O 9.Be2 cxd4 10.cxd4 Qa5+ 11.Bd2 Qxa2, Black grabs a pawn and White gets active play.

Typical pawn structures

White's central pawn pair, often d4 and e4, against Black's queenside majority. Endgames frequently feature White's passed d-pawn against Black's passed a- or b-pawn.

Who it suits

Black players who love dynamic counterplay and concrete theory; White players who like a big center.

Common traps

In the Bc4 lines the f7 square is a constant target, and Bxf7+ shots appear in several main lines. White must also watch the d4 pawn: when ...cxd4 and ...Bxd4 come with check or tempo, the center can collapse.

Variations

Related variations

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