Grünfeld Stockholm–Taimanov 5...Nxc3
Grünfeld Defense: Stockholm Variation, Taimanov Line (5…Nxc3)
Definition
The Grünfeld Defense: Stockholm Variation, Taimanov Line, 5…Nxc3, is a sub-variation of the Grünfeld Defense that arises after the following move order:
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nf3 Bg7 4. Nc3 d5 5. Bg5 Nxc3.
With 5…Nxc3 Black immediately exchanges the f6-knight for White’s c3-knight, doubling White’s c-pawns and steering the game into less-charted but still highly dynamic Grünfeld territory. The line is named “Stockholm” because it was analysed and popularised by Swedish players in the mid-20th century, while the stem position with 5. Bg5 is credited to Soviet grandmaster Mark Taimanov, who frequently employed and analysed it.
Move Order at a Glance
- 1. d4 Nf6
- 2. c4 g6
- 3. Nf3 Bg7
- 4. Nc3 d5
- 5. Bg5 Nxc3 (Taimanov/Stockholm, 5…Nxc3)
- 6. bxc3 … (most common reply)
After 6. bxc3, typical continuations include 6…c5, 6…dxc4, or 6…O-O, each leading to an imbalanced middlegame.
Strategic Themes
- Structural Imbalance: Black concedes the bishop pair but inflicts doubled c-pawns on White (pawns on c2 & c3), hoping to prove that the structural weakness outweighs White’s minor-piece advantage.
- Central Pressure: As in most Grünfeld lines, Black later hits the centre with …c5 and/or …e5, undermining White’s d- and e-pawns.
- Bishop Pair vs. Pawn Targets: White often takes on an “Aron Nimzowitsch”-style approach, using the bishops and space to press, while Black plays against the c-pawns and tries to liquidate the centre.
- Piece Activity: Because the position opens quickly, swift development and accurate move-order knowledge are critical for both sides.
Typical Plans
- White
- Rapidly complete development with e3, Be2, O-O.
- Push e4–e5 in some lines, exploiting the dark-square bishop on g7.
- Use the bishop pair and space to create kingside or central pressure.
- Black
- Strike at the centre with …c5, …dxc4, or …e5.
- Target the doubled c-pawns via …Qa5, …Nc6-a5-c4 manoeuvres.
- Seek piece activity and exchanges to keep the bishops at bay.
Historical Significance & Notable Games
While less common than mainstream Grünfeld lines such as the Exchange (4.cxd5), the Stockholm Variation enjoyed a surge of interest after Keres – Taimanov, USSR Championship 1952, where Taimanov’s ideas were first tested at elite level. Later, Swedish GM Ulf Andersson and Russian theoretician Evgeny Bareev contributed analyses that refined Black’s counterplay.
A modern reference game is Nakamura – Aleksandrov, European Club Cup 2008, where Black’s precise …c5 break equalised comfortably, demonstrating the line’s resilience.
Illustrative Mini-Game
The following condensed example shows the thematic ideas for both sides:
After 14 moves Black has exchanged off White’s proud d-pawn, fixed the doubled c-pawns as long-term targets and completed development, while White enjoys the bishop pair and open lines.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The Swedish moniker “Stockholm” arose because the line was featured in local master tournaments in the Swedish capital during the 1940s.
- Mark Taimanov was not only an elite player and opening innovator but also a concert-level pianist; legend says he would sometimes analyse this variation backstage between musical performances.
- Engines initially disliked 5…Nxc3, giving White a small plus, but cloud-based analysis has pushed many lines back toward equality, reviving the system for practical play.
- Because the early capture clarifies the centre so quickly, this line is a popular surprise weapon in rapid and blitz: the opponent must accurately recall Grünfeld theory and the subtleties of an unusual pawn structure.
Why Study This Line?
For Grünfeld players, the Stockholm–Taimanov 5…Nxc3 line offers a sound alternative when you wish to:
- Avoid the heaviest theoretical battles of the Exchange Variation.
- Unbalance the pawn structure early and fight for dynamic equality.
- Keep opponents who prepare only mainline theory out of their comfort zone.