Neo-Gruenfeld: 6.O-O c6 7.b3
Neo-Gruenfeld (Neo-Grünfeld) Defence
Definition
The Neo-Gruenfeld is a modern off-shoot of the Grünfeld Defence in which White postpones the advance of the c-pawn to c4 or develops the king’s knight to Nf3 and the bishop to g2 before occupying the centre with pawns. A common move order is:
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nf3 d5
or
1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. c4 Bg7 4. g3 d5
Compared with the classical Grünfeld (where White usually plays 3.Nc3), the Neo-Grünfeld invites more flexible structures and can transpose into Catalan or King’s Indian positions.
How It Is Used
- By Black: The aim is identical to the Grünfeld proper: attack White’s centre with …d5 and …c5 while fianchettoing the king’s bishop. The early …d5 often comes before White has played Nc3, allowing Black counter-play without facing the notorious 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e4 lines.
- By White: Players who enjoy Catalan-style pressure with Bg2 often choose the Neo-Grünfeld to avoid heavy Grünfeld theory while keeping long-term pressure on the queenside.
Strategic & Historical Significance
Adopted with success by pioneers such as Efim Geller and Tigran Petrosian, the Neo-Grünfeld gained new life when Vladimir Kramnik and later Magnus Carlsen included it in their repertoires. Its hybrid nature—half Grünfeld, half Catalan—suits players who relish positional tension with latent dynamism.
Illustrative Game
Kramnik – Topalov, Dortmund 1999
1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 g6 3.c4 Bg7 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6
7.O-O Nc6 8.e3 O-O 9.Nc3 Re8 10.Re1 … and Kramnik’s subtle
pressure on the light squares eventually prevailed.
Interesting Facts
- Because the Neo-Grünfeld can transpose into several openings, many top players use it as a psychological weapon to steer opponents away from prepared main-line Grünfeld analysis.
- Engines often assess Neo-Grünfeld positions as roughly equal, yet practical results show Black scoring slightly above 50% at master level, largely thanks to superior piece activity.
6.O-O c6 7.b3 (Main-Line Neo-Gruenfeld with …c6)
Definition
The sequence 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nf3 d5 4.g3 Bg7 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O c6 7.b3 constitutes a well-tested system inside the Neo-Grünfeld in which:
- Black reinforces the central pawn on d5 with 6…c6.
- White replies 7.b3, preparing to support the c4-pawn and develop the queenside bishop to Bb2, exerting long-range pressure on the e5- and d5-squares.
Typical Plans & Usage
-
White’s ideas
- Fianchetto the queen’s bishop to b2, intensifying control over the long diagonal.
- Maintain a strong pawn chain d4-c4 supported by a2-b3.
- Expand on the queenside with a4 or cxd5 at an opportune moment.
-
Black’s ideas
- Break in the centre with …c5 after adequate preparation.
- Re-route the b8-knight via d7 to b6 or c5.
- Trade dark-squared bishops with …Bh3 to weaken White’s king.
Strategic Significance
The move 6…c6 is sometimes called the “Russian System” because it
was popularised by Soviet grandmasters. It creates a solid triangle
of pawns (c6-d5-e6 in many lines) that is hard to undermine. By answering
with 7.b3, White avoids the ultra-theoretical 7.Qb3 or 7.cxd5
alternatives and steers play into slower, manoeuvring channels where
piece placement outweighs concrete calculation.
Model Game
Carlsen – Nepomniachtchi, Wijk aan Zee 2011
Carlsen slowly converted the isolani ending, showcasing the latent power
of the Bb2–g7 battery once the centre opened.
Typical Position After 7.b3
Interesting Nuggets
- The move 7.b3 was a favourite of Bent Larsen, who used it to outplay opponents in the 1960s when the main-line Grünfeld was all the rage.
- Engines consider 7.b3 slightly less critical than 7.Qb3, yet its score percentage is comparable in human play because it leads to fewer forced drawing lines.
- If Black replies 7…Ne4, White can calmly continue 8.Bb2 or even strike with 8.cxd5 cxd5 9.Bb2, showing the flexibility of the setup.