Grünfeld Defense, Burille Variation, Opocenský Variation

Grünfeld Defense

Definition

The Grünfeld Defense is a hyper-modern opening that begins with the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5. Black immediately challenges White’s pawn center with the d-pawn rather than occupying the center directly. It is classified under ECO codes D70–D99.

Strategic Ideas

• Black allows White to build a strong pawn center with e2-e4, planning to undermine it later with …c7-c5, …Bg7, and …Nc6.
• The fianchettoed bishop on g7 exerts long-range pressure on the central dark squares, especially d4 and e5.
• Typical pawn structures feature an isolated or hanging pawn pair for White on c4 and d4 versus Black’s queenside majority.

Historical Significance

Named after Austrian GM Ernst Grünfeld, who employed it in the early 1920s. It became a key battleground in World Championship matches—most notably Smyslov vs. Botvinnik 1954 and Kasparov’s frequent use against Karpov in the 1980s.

Example Line

After 9…c5, Black strikes at d4 while maintaining pressure from the g7-bishop. This tabiya illustrates the Grünfeld’s dynamic nature.

Interesting Facts

• Despite its sharpness, the Grünfeld is one of the most theoretically robust answers to 1. d4.
• World Champions Fischer, Kasparov, and Anand all relied on it in must-win situations.
• Because of the early …d5 push, the opening sometimes transposes into Queen’s Gambit or Catalan lines if White avoids c4.

Burille Variation (in the Ruy Lopez)

Definition

The Burille Variation is a rare sideline of the Ruy López that arises after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Bc5. Black develops the bishop actively on c5 instead of the more common …Be7 or …b5 followed by …Bb7.

Usage and Plans

• Black hopes to generate quick piece play against White’s center and potentially castle queenside.
• White often replies 6. Nxe5 Nxe5 7. d4, striking at the bishop while opening lines.
• The line is considered strategically double-edged: Black’s bishop is active but can become a tactical target.

Origins and Name

Attributed to French master Jules Burille (1840-1904), a contemporary of Steinitz who experimented with offbeat bishop deployments in the Spanish Game.

Illustrative Miniature

In this 19th-century game, White sacrifices material to exploit the loose position of Black’s a4-knight and c5-bishop, highlighting the variation’s tactical nature.

Interesting Tidbits

• The Burille is virtually absent at elite level today but remains a favorite surprise weapon in rapid and blitz.
• Because beginners often castle kingside automatically, …Bc5 can generate unexpected opposite-side castling scenarios.

Opocenský Variation (in the Najdorf Sicilian)

Definition

The Opocenský Variation is a system for White against the Najdorf Sicilian: 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6  6. Be2. Instead of the aggressive 6. Bg5, 6. Be3, or 6. f4, White quietly develops and keeps Black guessing.

Strategic Features

1. Flexibility: White can castle quickly and adopt Scheveningen-type setups with f2-f4 or play for a kingside pawn storm later.
2. Reduced Theory: Compared with main Najdorf lines, the amount of forced variations is smaller—appealing for practical play.
3. Delayed Commitment: By not placing the bishop on g5 or e3, White maintains the option of c2-c4 or f2-f4, depending on Black’s setup.

Historical Notes

Named after Czech Grandmaster Karel Opocenský (1892-1975), an influential theoretician who championed sound, flexible development schemes. The line gained renewed interest when Bobby Fischer used it to defeat Wolfgang Unzicker at Buenos Aires 1960.

Model Game

Fischer’s strategic idea was to maneuver the b3-knight to d5 via d2 and c4, establishing an outpost while keeping kingside intentions masked.

Trivia & Practical Tips

• The variation is popular at club level because it sidesteps highly-booked Najdorf main lines yet retains rich middlegame possibilities.
• Grandmasters such as Michael Adams and Anish Giri have occasionally employed 6. Be2 as a surprise.
• Black can respond with …e6 or …e5. After …e6, White often plays Be3, Qd2, f4, and g4, transposing into English-Attack-like structures but with the bishop already safely on e2.