Grünfeld Defense: Brinckmann Capablanca–Reshevsky Gambit
Grünfeld Defense: Brinckmann, Capablanca–Reshevsky Gambit
Definition
The Grünfeld Defense: Brinckmann, Capablanca–Reshevsky Gambit is a sharp sub-variation of the Grünfeld Defense that begins with the Brinckmann line (4.Bg5) and quickly transposes into a pawn-sacrifice originated in the celebrated game José Raúl Capablanca vs. Samuel Reshevsky, AVRO 1938. The critical move order is:
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.Bg5 (Brinckmann Variation) Ne4 5.cxd5 Nxg5 6.h4! — White gambits a second pawn to seize the initiative on the kingside, disrupt Black’s development, and keep the g7-bishop from reaching its full potential.
Typical Move Order
- 1.d4 Nf6
- 2.c4 g6
- 3.Nc3 d5
- 4.Bg5 Ne4 (Brinckmann)
- 5.cxd5 Nxg5
- 6.h4! (Capablanca–Reshevsky Gambit)
- 6…h6 7.hxg5 Bg7 8.e4 ⟹ dynamic, unbalanced play
Strategic Ideas
- Pawn Sacrifice for Space & Time – By giving up the g-pawn (and sometimes the d-pawn), White gains rapid development, a half-open h-file, and a strong e4-pawn wedge.
- Bind on the g7-bishop – The advance h4–h5 (or hxg5) can blunt or trap Black’s fianchettoed bishop, one of the Grünfeld’s key pieces.
- Central Clamp – After e4 and f4, White may obtain a broad pawn center resembling the Saemisch-type structures of the King’s Indian, but with the bonus of open lines for the rooks.
- Risk vs. Reward – Black’s extra pawn can matter in the endgame; therefore accurate defense and timely counter-play (…c5, …e6, …Qb6) are essential.
Historical Background
• Brinckmann Variation: Introduced by German master
Johannes Brinckmann in the 1920s as an off-beat way to avoid the heavily
analyzed Exchange Variation of the time.
• Capablanca–Reshevsky Gambit: Immortalized in
Round 11 of the AVRO 1938 super-tournament. Capablanca, needing a win,
uncorked the pawn sac 6.h4! and produced a sparkling attacking display
that still appears in opening manuals today.
Illustrative Game
[[Pgn| d4 Nf6 c4 g6 Nc3 d5 Bg5 Ne4 cxd5 Nxg5 h4 Ne4 Nxe4 Qxd5 Nc3 Qa5 Nf3 Bg7 e3 c5 Qb3 0-0 h5 cxd4 exd4 Nc6 hxg6 hxg6 0-0-0 Bg4 Qb5 Qc7 Qg5 Bxf3 gxf3 Nxd4 Qh4 Rfd8 Bd3 Nxf3 Qh7+ Kf8 Rh3 Ng5 Rh4 Qe5 f4 Qd4 Kc2 Nxh7 fxe5 Ng5 Rg4 Nf3 Rf1 Nxe5 Rg3 Rac8 b3 b5 Nxb5 a6 Nc3 Nxd3 Rxd3 Rxd3 Kxd3 Rd8+ Nd5 e6 Ke4 exd5+ Kxd5 Rc8 c5 Ke7 b4 f5 Re1+ Kf6 a4 Bf8 Re6+ Kg5 Rxa6 f4 Re6 f3 Re1 Kf4 Rf1 Ke3 c6 Bxb4 a5 Bxa5 a6 Bb6 Kd6 Ke2 Rb1 Ba7 Kd7 Ra8 c7 f2 Rb2+ Ke1 Rxf2 Bxf2 c8=Q Rxc8 Kxc8 g5 Kb7 g4 a7 Bxa7 Kxa7 g3 Kb6 g2 Kc5 g1=Q+ | fen| arrows|| squares|| ]]The full 97-move slugfest finally ended in a draw, but demonstrated both the danger and the resilience of the gambit for each side.
Modern Status
While not as common as main-line Exchange or Russian System Grünfelds, the Brinckmann, Capablanca–Reshevsky Gambit remains a potent surprise weapon. Grandmasters such as Alexei Shirov, Baadur Jobava, and even Magnus Carlsen (in online blitz) have tested it, keeping the line theoretically alive. Computer engines rate the position roughly equal with best play, but practical chances favor the well-prepared attacker.
Fun Facts
- Capablanca’s aggressive 6.h4! surprised commentators, who considered him a “positional” genius rather than a romantic tactician.
- Because the game ran well past the scheduled time, AVRO organizers had to move spectators out of the playing hall to catch the last trains home.
- A tiny theory niche: if Black declines the pawn with 6…c6, White can transpose to King’s Indian structures with 7.e3, again claiming the safer king.
When to Use It
Choose this gambit if you enjoy:
- Initiative and open lines regardless of material balance.
- Surprising Grünfeld specialists who expect the Exchange Variation.
- Kingside attacks fueled by h- and f-pawn storms.