Neo-Grunfeld: 6.O-O c6 7.cxd5
Neo-Grünfeld
Definition
The Neo-Grünfeld is a modern variation of the King’s Indian/Grünfeld complex that arises after the initial moves
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.g3 Bg7 4.Bg2 d5
Instead of the classical Grünfeld continuation 5.cxd5 Nxd5, White typically plays 5.Nf3, transposing to the position usually called the Neo-Grünfeld. Black delays …d5 until White has committed to g3 and Bg2, aiming to combine Grünfeld pressure on the long diagonal with King’s Indian flexibility.
Typical Move Order
One of the most common routes is:
- 1.d4 Nf6
- 2.c4 g6
- 3.g3 Bg7
- 4.Bg2 d5
- 5.Nf3 O-O
- 6.O-O c6 (or 6…dxc4)
Strategic Themes
- Central Tension: As in the Grünfeld, Black invites White to build a broad pawn center with d4-e4, only to attack it later with …c5, …Nc6, and pressure on the g7-bishop’s long diagonal.
- Flexibility: By delaying …d5 one move (compared with the pure Grünfeld), Black keeps more options open: King’s Indian structures (…d6 & …e5) or Grünfeld breaks (…d5 followed by …c5).
- Fianchetto vs. Fianchetto: Both players have kingside fianchettos, making the long diagonal a key battleground. Piece activity often outweighs static pawn considerations.
Historical Background
The line became popular in the 1970s when grandmasters such as Ulf Andersson, Bent Larsen, and later Garry Kasparov adopted it. Its name “Neo-Grünfeld” distinguishes it from the classical Grünfeld Defense (invented by Ernst Grünfeld in the 1920s) by emphasizing the move order with an early g3 by White.
Example Game
In this illustrative miniature (shortened for clarity), both sides follow the main tabiya and rapidly reach characteristic central tension.
Interesting Facts
- Garry Kasparov used the Neo-Grünfeld many times in his 1985 World Championship match against Anatoly Karpov, regarding it as a “fight-for-the-center with pieces” rather than pawns.
- The English GM Michael Adams is another noted practitioner, often maneuvering quietly in these structures before unleashing central breaks.
- Engines tend to give the Neo-Grünfeld a marginally sounder evaluation for Black than the King’s Indian, making it popular at elite level when solidity is desired.
6.O-O c6 7.cxd5 (in the Neo-Grünfeld)
Definition
The sequence 6.O-O c6 7.cxd5 refers to one of the main branches of the Neo-Grünfeld after the moves:
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.g3 Bg7 4.Bg2 d5 5.Nf3 O-O 6.O-O c6 7.cxd5 cxd5
By playing 7.cxd5 White clarifies the central tension early, trading the c-pawn for Black’s d-pawn and aiming for a stable pawn center with e2-e4 to follow.
Strategic Significance
- Symmetrical Structure: After 7…cxd5 a symmetrical pawn structure arises, but piece placement gives each side different plans.
- Minor-Piece Activity: White usually develops Nc3, Qb3, and sometimes Rd1 to pressure d5, while Black counters with …Nc6, …Na5, or …Ne4 hitting the c3- and d4-squares.
- e2-e4 Lever: If White can safely play e4, a space advantage results; therefore Black sometimes plays …Nc6 and …Ne4 before White is ready.
- Endgame Appeal: Because the pawn structure is fairly balanced, some lines transition quickly to simplified positions rich in minor-piece maneuvering.
Typical Continuations
- 8.Nc3 Ne4 9.Qb3 Nxc3 10.bxc3 – White keeps a pawn trio on c3-d4-e2, Black relies on dynamic piece play and the half-open c-file.
- 8.Nc3 Nc6 9.Ne5 – a positional struggle where White establishes a knight on e5, echoing some Catalan motifs.
- 8.Qb3 – direct pressure on d5; Black may respond 8…Nc6 or 8…Qb6, initiating queen exchange ideas.
Model Game
Kasparov vs. Karpov, World Championship (Game 11), Moscow 1985:
Kasparov demonstrated how quickly White can generate pressure on d5 and along the long diagonal, though Karpov eventually neutralized the initiative and the game was drawn after 47 moves.
Practical Tips
- Do not automatically recapture on c6 with a pawn after …Nxc3; capturing with the queen or bishop can keep the pawn structure flexible.
- Black players should be alert to tactics based on the pin along the c-file once the c-pawn has moved.
- Endgames where White has the c- and d-islands split (after bxc3) can favor Black if he can target c3 and a2 simultaneously.
Interesting Anecdotes
- The move 6…c6 looks passive, but it is a Grünfeld hallmark: by stabilizing d5 temporarily, Black prepares …dxc4 at an opportune moment or a later …b5 break.
- Anatoly Karpov liked this setup because it restricts early preparation—White must still choose between 7.Nc3, 7.cxd5, or even 7.b3, each leading to different pawn structures.
- In correspondence chess, engines have shown that the seemingly innocuous 8.Qb3 Qb6!? often equalizes completely, something over-the-board players are only now adopting.