Grünfeld: 5.Bf4 O-O 6.e3 c5

Grünfeld: 5.Bf4 O-O 6.e3 c5

Definition

This line arises in the Grünfeld Defence after the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.Bf4 O-O 6.e3 c5. Instead of the more common 5.e4 or 5.Bg5 systems, White develops the queen’s bishop to f4, aims for rapid kingside development with e3 and Nf3, and keeps the central pawn structure flexible. Black’s reply 6…c5 strikes at the d4–c4 complex in true Grünfeld fashion, fighting for central counterplay on the dark squares.

Typical Move Order / Key Position

The critical position appears after:

• White: King – e1, Queen – d1, Rooks – a1 h1, Knights – b1 c3, Bishops – f1 f4, Pawns – a2 b2 c2 d4 e3 f2 g2 h2.
• Black: King – g8, Queen – d8, Rooks – a8 f8, Knights – b8 d5, Bishops – c8 g7, Pawns – a7 b7 c5 d5 e7 f7 g6 h7.

Strategic Ideas

• White’s Plans:
  • Complete development with Nf3, Be2, 0-0 and possibly Rc1.
  • Maintain central tension. After …cxd4 exd4, the e-file opens for potential pressure on e7.
  • Occasional minority-style advance with b4–b5 to chip away at Black’s queenside pawns.
  • The bishop on f4 eyes the c7-square; tactics with Nxd5 Qxd5 Bxc7 are perennial motifs.
• Black’s Plans:
  • Undermine White’s centre immediately with …c5 and sometimes …Nc6.
  • Push …cxd4 followed by …Nc6 or …e5 to occupy central dark squares.
  • Use the fianchettoed bishop on g7 to exert long-range pressure on d4 and a1.
  • If the centre clarifies, typical Grünfeld endgames with active pieces and queenside majority often favour Black.

Historical & Notable Games

1. Caruana – Nakamura, London Chess Classic 2015
   White employed 5.Bf4 and steered the game into a slow-burn middlegame. Nakamura’s precise …cxd4 …Nc6 equalised, illustrating the robustness of 6…c5.
2. Kamsky – Svidler, Dortmund 2013
   An instructive battle where Kamsky expanded on the queenside with b4-b5, but Svidler’s timely …e5 break freed his pieces and led to a dynamic balance.
3. Anand – Grischuk, Tal Memorial 2009
   Showcases the tactical idea 7.Nxd5?! Qxd5 8.Bxc7 when Black must tread carefully; Grischuk found the resource …Na6! and eventually converted a superior ending.

Theoretical Status

The 5.Bf4 line is considered a sound but modest try for an edge. Engines currently rate the position around equality with best play. Still, it offers a useful “sideline” weapon because:

• Black must know several precise move-order details to avoid falling into passive positions.
• Many Grünfeld specialists expect the more theoretical 5.e4 and may be less booked-up on 5.Bf4.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• The move 5.Bf4 first appeared in master practice in the 1970s, but it was Boris Gelfand in the early 2000s who popularised the idea of delaying Nf3 and playing e3 first.
• Because the bishop on f4 sometimes retreats to g3 or h4 after …cxd4, top players jokingly call it the “wandering bishop” variation.
• The line lets White castle queenside in rare cases (after 7.Qd2 and 8.0-0-0), leading to sharper pawn-storm battles unlike typical Grünfeld positions.

Related Concepts

If you enjoy this structure, explore:

• Grünfeld Defense main line 5.e4.
• Neo-Grünfeld (1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 g6 3.c4 Bg7 4.Nc3).
• Queen’s Gambit Declined systems with …c5 plans, which share the motif of striking at d4.

Summary

Grünfeld: 5.Bf4 O-O 6.e3 c5 is a practical, slightly less explored way for White to challenge the Grünfeld. It keeps pieces on the board, avoids early forcing theory, and offers both sides rich strategic play centred on the d4-square and queenside pawn breaks.