Grunfeld Defense - Schlechter Makogonov Variation
Grünfeld Defense
Definition
The Grünfeld Defense is a hyper-modern opening that arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5. Black immediately challenges the pawn center that White is trying to build, aiming to undermine it with piece pressure instead of occupying it with pawns.
Typical Move-Order & Main Lines
- 4. cxd5 Nxd5 5. e4 Nxc3 6. bxc3 Bg7 – the classical “Exchange” line.
- 4. Nf3 Bg7 5. Bf4 (or 5. Qg7) – the Russian System.
- 4. Bg5 – the Schlechter System (see below).
- 4. Nf3 Bg7 5. h4 or 5. cxd5 Nxd5 6. Na4 – modern sidelines designed to pull Black out of theory.
Strategic Ideas
Black lets White occupy the center with pawns on c4, d4, e4, then attacks that center with …c5, …Bg7, …Nc6, …Bg4, and sometimes …e5. White, on the other hand, will try to prove that the powerful pawn duo gives a lasting space advantage and, if maintained, a dangerous passed c- or d-pawn in the endgame.
Historical Significance
Austrian grandmaster Ernst Grünfeld unveiled the opening in the 1922 Teplitz-Schönau tournament. It rapidly became popular at the highest level; in fact, every world champion from Alekhine to Carlsen has employed it at least once with Black.
Illustrative Game
White eventually won in Botvinnik – Smyslov, Moscow 1956, a classic demonstration of the power of the protected passed d-pawn.
Interesting Facts
- Garry Kasparov relied on the Grünfeld in the 1985 World Championship match, scoring two crucial wins with it against Karpov.
- Because of the vast amount of theory, elite players often use rare sidelines (for example, 4. Nf3 Bg7 5. h4) as surprise weapons.
Schlechter (Variation / Defense)
Who Was Schlechter?
Carl Schlechter (1874-1918) was an Austrian grandmaster famed for his encyclopedic opening knowledge and his narrowly missed world-title match against Emanuel Lasker in 1910. Multiple opening lines carry his name; “Schlechter Variation” therefore has context-dependent meanings.
Main Openings That Feature a “Schlechter” Line
- Grünfeld Defense – Schlechter System: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. Bg5
• White pins the f6-knight early, aiming to delay …Bg7 ideas.
- Slav Defense – Schlechter Variation: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 g6
• Black fianchettoes the bishop inside the Slav structure.
- French Defense – Schlechter Variation: 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. e5 Nfd7 5. f4 c5 6. Nf3 Nc6 7. Be3 a6 • A popular line in the 1990s thanks to Ivanchuk.
Strategic Themes (Using the Grünfeld Schlechter Line as Example)
After 4. Bg5, Black must decide whether to break the pin with …Nbd7 or force matters by 4…Ne4. In many variations, Black concedes the bishop pair but achieves rapid piece play against the d- and c-pawns.
Sample Miniature
This 20-move skirmish (Short – Khalifman, Reykjavík 1991) shows how uncompromising the Schlechter line can become.
Trivia
- Schlechter was notoriously gentlemanly: in his 1910 match he allegedly agreed to a final-game draw offer that cost him the world title.
- Many databases use the ECO codes D80-D81 to flag the Grünfeld Schlechter System.
Makogonov Variation
Definition
The term “Makogonov Variation” most commonly refers to the line of the King’s Indian Defense starting 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nf3 Bg7 4. Nc3 d6 5. h3. It is named after the Soviet theoretician and coach Vladimir Makogonov (1904-1993), who championed systems with restrained, flexible pawn structures.
Ideas Behind 5.h3
- Prevents …Bg4, maintaining control of the f5-square.
- Gives White the option of g2-g4 in the future (a typical attacking lever).
- Allows a later Be3 followed by d4-d5 under favorable circumstances.
Other Openings Carrying Makogonov’s Name
- Nimzo-Indian Defense – Makogonov Variation: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 O-O 5. Nge2.
- Grünfeld Defense – Makogonov Variation: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. Nf3 Bg7 5. e3 followed by cxd5 and Be2. Although less famous than its KID cousin, it reflects the same spirit—solid structure first, dynamic break later.
Model Game (King’s Indian Makogonov)
In Kasparov – Topalov, Linares 1999 (blitz side-event) White’s h2-h3 kept Black’s pieces at bay long enough to launch a decisive central break.
Why It’s Popular
- Fit for all styles: positional players like Kramnik use it to restrict counterplay, while tacticians like Radjabov employ the same setup to prepare g2-g4 storms.
- Theory is relatively modest compared to the heavily analyzed Mar del Plata or Sämisch systems.
Anecdote
When coaching a young Garry Kasparov, Makogonov reportedly advised him to “learn to control squares before you attack pieces.” Kasparov honoured his mentor by occasionally wheeling out the Makogonov system—even during World Championship preparation.