Gruenfeld: 5.Bf4 c6

Grünfeld Defence: 5.Bf4 c6 Variation

Definition

The variation begins with the moves
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Bf4 c6.
By developing the queen’s-bishop before committing the d- or e-pawn, White sidesteps the most heavily analysed main lines of the Grünfeld Defence. Black’s reply 5…c6 supports the d5-pawn (much like a Slav) while preserving Grünfeld-style counterplay with …dxc4 or …c5.

Typical Ideas

• White
  • Play for an eventual e2-e4 or c4xd5 to seize space.
  • Use the f4-bishop to pressure c7 and discourage …e7-e5 breaks.
  • After h2-h3 the bishop can swing to g5 or h4, pinning the f6-knight.
• Black
  • Reinforce d5 so that …dxc4 can be prepared safely.
  • Choose between solid Slav-like structures (…e6) or sharper Grünfeld breaks (…c5 or …e5).
  • Use the g7-bishop and central tension to undermine White’s centre later on.

Main Strategic Themes

Because both sides keep their central pawns flexible, the structure can transform into:

• Slav-Type positions after …e6 and …dxc4.
• Panov-Caro structures if both players exchange on d5.
• Pure Grünfeld play when Black breaks with …c5 or …e5 and the long-diagonal opens for the g7-bishop.

Illustrative Game Fragment

The following PGN shows only the first moves that define the line:

Model Games to Study

• Carlsen – Radjabov, Tal Memorial (Blitz) 2013 – Carlsen scores from the White side by patiently increasing pressure on the kingside.
• Svidler – Kamsky, Dortmund 2009 – a textbook demonstration of Black’s …dxc4 and …c5 counterplay.

Historical Notes

The early Bf4 idea was championed by Efim Geller in the 1960s, but it gained mainstream attention only when Grünfeld experts such as Peter Svidler and Gata Kamsky began meeting it with 5…c6 in the 2000s. World Champion Magnus Carlsen has since used the line as a surprise weapon in rapid and blitz play.

Practical Tips

• If you play White: keep the tension; delay cxd5 until it gains a concrete benefit.
• If you play Black: decide early whether you want a solid Slav-like setup (…e6) or dynamic Grünfeld play (…c5, …e5).
• Watch the e-file – many tactics revolve around e4/e5 pawn breaks.

Interesting Facts

• Database statistics hover around 50 % for each side, showing that 5…c6 is a fully respectable answer.
• Because the bishop often retreats to d2 and back to f4, some grandmasters jokingly call this the “Grünfeld Shuffle.”