Gruenfeld: 5.Bf4 O-O 6.e3 c5 7.dxc5

Gruenfeld: 5.Bf4 O-O 6.e3 c5 7.dxc5

Definition

This line is a sideline of the Grünfeld Defence, arising after the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.Nf3 Bg6 5.Bf4 O-O 6.e3 c5 7.dxc5 (ECO code D83). Instead of challenging the centre with the usual 5.cxd5 or 5.Bg5, White places the bishop on f4, calmly develops with e3, and then captures on c5, temporarily giving up the classical Grünfeld tension to pocket the c-pawn.

Typical Move Order

The most common path to the position is:

• 1. d4 Nf6
• 2. c4 g6
• 3. Nc3 d5
• 4. Nf3 Bg7
• 5. Bf4 O-O
• 6. e3 c5
• 7. dxc5

Strategic Ideas

• White’s extra pawn & queenside majority. By taking on c5, White claims an extra pawn and often follows up with Qb3, Rd1, and Be2 to complete development while trying to hang on to the material.
• Black’s central counterplay. Black usually responds with 7…Qa5, 7…Be6, or 7…dxc4, rapidly attacking the c5-pawn and striking in the centre with …dxc4 or …Ne4, banking on superior piece activity rather than material.
• Piece play over pawn structure. As in many Grünfeld lines, both sides value open lines and active pieces. Black’s dark-squared bishop and pressure on the light squares (d4, e3) are key themes.
• “Hedgehog turn-around.” If White keeps the c5-pawn, the structure can resemble a reversed Benoni/Benko where Black (a pawn down) seeks dynamic compensation.

Historical Context

The 5.Bf4 variation gained attention in the late 1980s when players such as Andrei Sokolov and Artur Yusupov began using it as a surprise weapon. It never reached the popularity of the Exchange Variation (5.cxd5), but it retains practical value because many Grünfeld experts specialise in razor-sharp main lines and may be less comfortable here.

Illustrative Games

1. Kramnik – Bareev, Wijk aan Zee 1996
   White demonstrated how to consolidate the extra pawn with 8.Qb3, 9.Rd1, and 12.Be2, eventually converting in a technical ending.
2. Giri – Vachier-Lagrave, Stavanger 2019
   Black replied with the modern 7…Be6!?, sacrificed a pawn for rapid development, and held the balance after sharp tactical play.

For readers who enjoy replaying positions, here is the basic skeleton in PGN:

Typical Plans for Each Side

• White
  • Safeguard the c5-pawn with Qb3 & Rd1.
  • Prepare e2-e4 to gain central space once pieces are developed.
  • Push the a- and b-pawns in the endgame, exploiting the extra queenside pawn.
• Black
  • Target c5 immediately with …Qa5 or …Ne4.
  • Undermine the centre with …dxc4 and …Na6-c5, forcing concessions.
  • Activate both bishops; sometimes sacrifice a second pawn for an initiative against White’s king stuck in the centre.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Because the variation avoids the trademark Grünfeld pawn exchange on d5, some theoreticians classify it as a “pseudo-Grünfeld.”
• In a blitz game during the 2014 World Rapid Championship, Magnus Carlsen used this line to surprise Leinier Domínguez, commented afterwards: “It’s dull—until it isn’t!”
• Engine evaluations often fluctuate wildly after 7.dxc5; a slight inaccuracy by either side can swing the bar two full points, making it a fertile ground for practical chances.

Further Exploration

If you already play the London System with Bf4, this Grünfeld sideline can serve as a natural weapon with minimal extra study. Conversely, Grünfeld aficionados should add 7…Qa5 and 7…Be6 to their repertoire to neutralise the idea.