Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation and plans

The Grünfeld is a dynamic, hypermodern defense. Black invites White to build a big pawn center, then attacks it with pieces and the ...c5 break.

Starts with: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 · ECO: D70–D99

Exchange Variation

The main Exchange line

White has the big center; Black pressures d4 with ...c5, ...Nc6 and the g7 bishop. Stockfish: about +0.2.

Plans

Black: pile up on d4 (…c5, …Nc6, …Bg4, …Qa5), then strike or win the pawn.
White: keep the center intact, push d5 at the right moment, attack on the kingside.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Grünfeld Defense good?

Yes. It is one of the sharpest and most respected defenses to 1.d4, but it requires theoretical knowledge.

Grünfeld or King’s Indian?

Both fianchetto the dark-squared bishop. The Grünfeld attacks the center immediately with ...d5; the King’s Indian lets White keep it and counterattacks later.