Grünfeld: 5.Bg5 dxc4

Grünfeld Defense: 5.Bg5 dxc4

Definition

“Grünfeld : 5.Bg5 dxc4” refers to a concrete branch of the Grünfeld Defense that arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. cxd5 Nxd5 5. Bg5 dxc4.
White’s fifth move pins the knight on d5 and simultaneously prepares to build a broad pawn center with e2–e4. Black replies by capturing the c-pawn, temporarily accepting an “isolated” queenside pawn in order to undermine White’s central ambitions and keep the position unbalanced.

Typical Move-Order

A common continuation runs:
After 9.Bh6 White regains the exchange on g7, obtains a large pawn center, and aims for a kingside initiative, while Black relies on piece activity and pressure against the d4–e4 complex.

Strategic Ideas

• Black’s concept: By 5…dxc4 Black
  • Removes the c-pawn that supports White’s center.
  • Baits White into advancing e2–e4, after which …c5 or …c5–d6 hits the advanced d-pawn.
  • Hopes to exploit the pin on the g5–d8 diagonal disappearing once White plays e4, freeing the d8-queen.
• White’s concept:
  • Keep the d5-knight pinned to slow Black’s counterplay.
  • Seize space with e4, often followed by f4 or Nf3.
  • Regain the c4-pawn later (with Qa4+, e3, or Bxc4) while retaining the central pawn duo.

Historical Background

The line was investigated deeply in the 1950s by Soviet players and is sometimes called the Smyslov Variation after former World Champion Vasily Smyslov, who used it to good effect. Although eclipsed for a time by the ultra-theoretical Exchange Variation (5.cxd5), it re-emerged in the 1990s when elite Grünfeld specialists such as Peter Svidler, Boris Gelfand, and Garry Kasparov began experimenting with it from both sides.

Model Games

1. Sokolov – Kasparov, Tilburg 1997
   Kasparov demonstrated the dynamic potential of Black’s …c5 break, sacrificing the exchange for long-term pressure on d4 and e4.
2. Ding Liren – Nepomniachtchi, Candidates 2020-21
   White adopted the modern 9.Nf3 line, but Black equalised with precise preparation and later took over the initiative in the endgame.

Typical Tactical Themes

• Pin & unpin: The Bg5 pin is central; Black’s …c5 and …Qa5 quickly challenge it.
• c-file pawn races: After …dxc4, Black sometimes supports the passer with …b5, forcing White to decide between pawn grabs and development.
• Exchange sacrifices on f3 or d4: Black often gives up a rook for a minor piece plus strong pawns and diagonals.

Example Position to Visualise

After 8…Bg7 in the sample PGN the pieces stand:
• White pawns: d4, e4, c3
• Black pawns: c4, g6, d5 (already exchanged), and typical …c5 coming
• The d5-knight is pinned; the g7-bishop eyes d4.
The tension over whether Black can fracture the centre before White completes development defines the entire middlegame.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• In a 2013 blitz game, Hikaru Nakamura deliberately allowed the dangerous 9…cxd4!? pawn sacrifice, then spent under 20 seconds on the next seven moves and still won—an illustration of how wild and concrete the line can be.
• Because theory branches almost immediately, club players can spring early deviations (e.g., 6.e3 or 6.Nf3) to sidestep booked-up opponents while still fighting for an edge.
• The move 5.Bg5 was once considered innocuous; modern engines give it near-equal chances for both sides, highlighting the Grünfeld’s famed dynamism.

Practical Tips

• For White: Do not rush to recover the c4-pawn; first finish development and secure the center.
• For Black: Memorise concrete move orders—one tempo can decide whether …c5 breaks through or the pawn gets blockaded on c4.

Summary

The sequence 5.Bg5 dxc4 is a combative fork in the Grünfeld where both sides accept structural concessions in exchange for piece activity. Its rich history, concrete tactics, and ongoing theoretical debates keep it a favourite battleground from club level to elite tournaments.