Grunfeld Defense Burille Variation
Grünfeld Defense, Burille Variation
Definition
The Burille Variation is an off-beat line in the Grünfeld Defense that arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. Bf4. Instead of the customary 4.cxd5 or 4.Nf3, White develops the queen’s-bishop to f4, placing it outside the pawn chain before e3 is played. The variation bears the ECO code D80.
Typical Move Order
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. Bf4
• 4…Bg7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 c5 (main line)
• 4…dxc4 5.e4 c5 6.d5 (sharp alternative)
• 4…c5 (immediate strike in the centre)
Strategic Ideas
- White’s aims:
- Maintain a flexible pawn centre with e3–d4 and sometimes e4.
- Put early pressure on Black’s queenside after Rc1 and Qb3.
- Sidestep the vast body of Grünfeld theory based on 4.cxd5 or 4.Nf3.
- Black’s counterplay:
- Challenge d4 by …c5 or …dxc4 followed by …c5.
- Exploit the fact that the bishop on f4 can become a tactical target after …Nh5 or …dxc4.
- Reach pawn-structures similar to the Queen’s Gambit Accepted or the Slav while keeping the Grünfeld bishop on g7 active.
Historical Context
The line is named after Horace Burille (1856–?), a 19-century American problem composer who experimented with the early Bf4 idea. Although never a mainstream weapon, the variation has periodically been adopted as a surprise system by grandmasters such as Alexander Morozevich, Richard Rapport, and Baadur Jobava—players noted for sidestepping heavy theory.
Illustrative Example
The following miniature shows both the dangers and dynamic possibilities of the line:
White: R. Rapport Black: P. Svidler — FIDE GP (Tashkent) 2013
After 12…Qxa1 Black temporarily wins a rook, but White’s central pawns and piece
activity ultimately secured the full point, illustrating the double-edged nature of the Burille.
Typical Plans and Motifs
- Quiet build-up: 5.e3, 6.Nf3, 7.Rc1 followed by cxd5 and Qb3, exerting latent pressure.
- Central blast: If Black captures on c4, White often responds with e4 and d5, seizing space.
- Bishop retreat: After …Nh5 the bishop usually drops to g5 or e5; careless play can see it trapped.
Interesting Facts
- Because the bishop comes to f4 so early, the line can transpose into London System structures—yet with Black already committed to Grünfeld set-ups.
- Morozevich used the Burille to defeat former World Champion Anatoly Karpov in a rapid game (2002), prompting renewed interest in the variation at the time.
- The variation is a practical choice in blitz and rapid play: fewer theoretical land-mines for White, but Black must find over-the-board solutions to an unfamiliar set-up.
Evaluation Summary
Modern engines give Black full equality with precise play (≈ 0.00), yet the line remains a viable surprise weapon because:
- Critical continuations are relatively forced, simplifying home preparation for White.
- The resulting positions differ in character from mainstream Grünfeld theory.
- Many Grünfeld specialists rely on concrete preparation; depriving them of that comfort level is psychologically valuable.
Further Study
Look up games by Jobava and Rapport from 2012-2022 to see modern handling for White, and review Svidler’s games for model defensive resources for Black. Database searches under the ECO code D80 with the move order 4.Bf4 will surface most relevant material.