D78

Neo-Grünfeld Defense: Classical Variation, Original Defense

Key moves: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5

The Grünfeld Defence is a hypermodern opening where Black allows White to build a big pawn centre, then attacks it with pieces and the ...c5 break. The central tension creates exciting, tactical positions.

History & Notable Players

Introduced by Ernst Grünfeld in 1922. It became a world-class weapon through Vasily Smyslov and Bobby Fischer, and was later used extensively by Garry Kasparov in his World Championship matches.

Best Games

Gukesh,D vs Ding Liren1/2-1/2
WCh 2024 • 2024★ Notable
Gukesh,D vs Giri,A1-0
Tata Steel Masters TB • 2024★ Notable
Carlsen,M vs Mamedyarov,S1-0
10th Norway Chess 2022 • 2022★ Notable
Firouzja,Alireza vs Duda,J1-0
8th Norway Chess 2020 • 2020★ Notable
Firouzja,Alireza vs Aronian,L1/2-1/2
8th Norway Chess 2020 • 2020★ Notable
Firouzja,Alireza vs Aronian,L0-1
Saint Louis Rapid 2020 • 2020★ Notable
Mamedyarov,S vs Duda,J1/2-1/2
Riga FIDE Grand Prix 2019 • 2019★ Notable
Duda,J vs Mamedyarov,S1/2-1/2
Riga FIDE Grand Prix 2019 • 2019★ Notable
Kramnik,V vs Svidler,P1-0
80th Tata Steel GpA • 2018★ Notable
Giri,A vs So,W1/2-1/2
79th Tata Steel GpA • 2017★ Notable
Svidler,P vs Kramnik,V1-0
Tal Memorial Blitz 2016 • 2016★ Notable
Kramnik,V vs Giri,A1/2-1/2
4th Norway Chess 2016 • 2016★ Notable
Kamsky,G vs Radjabov,T1/2-1/2
41st Olympiad Open 2014 • 2014★ Notable
Carlsen,M vs Aronian,L1/2-1/2
20th Amber Rapid • 2011★ Notable
Bocharov,D vs Kamsky,G0-1
WCC • 2005★ Notable
Korchnoi,V vs Radjabov,T1/2-1/2
36th Olympiad • 2004★ Notable
Nielsen,PH vs Radjabov,T1/2-1/2
FIDE WCh KO • 2004★ Notable
Nielsen,PH vs Radjabov,T1/2-1/2
FIDE WCh KO • 2004★ Notable
Aronian,L vs Guseinov,G1-0
FIDE WCh KO • 2004★ Notable
Ljubojevic,L vs Leko,P1/2-1/2
Amber Rapidplay • 2001★ Notable

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