Neo-Gruenfeld: 4.Bg2 c6
Neo-Grünfeld: 4.Bg2 c6
Definition
The Neo-Grünfeld Defence arises after the moves
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. Bg2 c6.
With 4…c6 Black reinforces the d5-square in Grünfeld style while borrowing the solid …c6 idea from the Slav Defence. The position is catalogued in ECO as D70 and is sometimes called the “Slav Grünfeld” or “Bogoljubow Variation” (not to be confused with Bogoljubow lines of the Queen’s Gambit).
How it is used in play
By playing …c6 instead of the more common …Bg7, Black:
- Eliminates the possibility of 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Nxd5 Qxd5, the highly theoretical Exchange Grünfeld.
- Prepares …dxc4 at a convenient moment, aiming for Slav-like pawn structure with a safely protected d5-pawn.
- Keeps the light-squared bishop on its original diagonal (f8–a3) a little longer, giving Black the choice between developing to g7, e7, or even d6.
- Invites flexible transpositions into the Semi-Slav, Slav, or Grünfeld main lines depending on how White reacts.
Typical plans and strategy
- For Black
- Solidify the centre with …c6 and …e6 (or …Bg7 & …0-0).
- Break later with …c5 or …e5, often after preparatory moves such as …dxc4, …Be6, …Nbd7.
- Avoid early piece exchanges to keep a rich middlegame against White’s kingside fianchetto.
- For White
- Challenge the centre at once with 5.cxd5 cxd5 6.Qb3, forcing Black to solve the b7-problem.
- Maintain tension with 5.Nf3 and later strike with Ne5, Qb3, or cxd5 when it is most uncomfortable.
- Adopt a Catalan-flavoured setup (g2–bishop, long castling or Rc1) aiming at c- and d-files once pawns are exchanged.
Historical notes
The line was tested as early as the 1920s by Efim Bogoljubow, but it never rivalled the classical Grünfeld until the computer era, when the solidity of …c6 appealed to players looking to avoid booking up on the wild Exchange lines. Vladimir Kramnik, Boris Gelfand, and Peter Svidler have all employed it as a surprise weapon.
Illustrative game
Critical continuations
- 5.cxd5 cxd5 6.Qb3
Targets the b7-pawn and often forces 6…e6 7.e4, yielding an IQP structure with mutual chances.
- 5.Nf3 Bg7 6.cxd5 cxd5 7.Ne5
White exploits the temporary lack of pressure on d4. Black must know precise manoeuvres like 7…O-O 8.O-O e6 or 7…Nc6 8.O-O O-O.
- 5.e4!?
An ambitious pawn sacrifice: 5…dxe4 6.Nxe4. White gains rapid development; Black relies on the extra pawn and the solid …c6 chain.
Interesting facts & anecdotes
- The move …c6 is so un-Grünfeld-like that several pre-1990 opening manuals classified the line under the Semi-Slav rather than the Grünfeld family!
- In correspondence chess, engines rate 4…c6 as one of the most resilient replies, giving almost 48 % for Black—higher than the classical 4…Bg7.
- Peter Svidler, noted Grünfeld specialist, once quipped in a post-game interview: “When you are tired of memorising 30-move Grünfeld lines, play 4…c6 and let White think for himself.”
Summary
The Neo-Grünfeld with 4…c6 is a sound, low-maintenance alternative to mainstream Grünfeld theory. It combines the hypermodern spirit (undermining rather than occupying the centre) with Slav-style solidity. For players who enjoy Grünfeld piece activity but prefer to steer clear of razor-sharp theoretical duels, this line offers a practical and strategically rich choice.