Neo-Gruenfeld: 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.e4 Nb6 7.Ne2

Neo-Grünfeld, 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.e4 Nb6 7.Ne2

Definition

This variation arises in the Neo-Grünfeld Defense after the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.g3 d5 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.e4 Nb6 7.Ne2. White exchanges on d5 early, seizing central space with e4 while postponing Nc3 in order to control the key d5-square with a pawn (c-pawn already gone) and with the knight from e2 rather than f3. The line is catalogued in ECO codes D75–D77.

Typical Move Order

The most common continuations after 7.Ne2 are:

1. 7…c5 8.d5 e6, entering a Benoni-style structure.
2. 7…Nc6 8.d5 Na5 9.O-O, when Black grapples for counterplay on the light squares.
3. 7…e5 8.d5 c6, leading to Grünfeld-flavoured pawn tension.

Strategic Ideas

• White wants a broad pawn center (e4-d4) and quick development with Be3, Nbc3, 0-0, sometimes f4, aiming for a kingside assault or a powerful passed d-pawn in the endgame.
• Black relies on Grünfeld themes: pressuring the center with …c5, …Nc6, …Bg7, and timely breaks with …e5 or …f5. The knight on b6 eyes the c4- and d5-squares and may reroute via a4 or c4 in some lines.
• The early Ne2 keeps the f-pawn free, allowing f4 or f3/Be3 setups, but delays natural piece coordination on the queenside.

Illustrative Game

Short – Kasparov, Tilburg 1991 (rapid)

Kasparov calmly equalized with …Nc6 and …Na5, then struck back in the center with …c6. The game demonstrates Black’s plan of undermining the d4/e4 chain while keeping pieces active on the long diagonal.

Historical & Practical Significance

• Popularized in the 1980s when Artur Yusupov and Vassily Ivanchuk used it to avoid heavily analyzed main lines with Nc3.
• Seen in modern elite practice by players such as Anish Giri and Teimour Radjabov to keep Grünfeld opponents guessing.
• The line often transposes to King’s Indian or Benoni structures, giving both players rich middlegame chances.

Common Tactics & Traps

• After 7…c5 8.d5 e6 9.Nbc3 exd5 10.exd5 O-O, an incautious 11.O-O? allows 11…N8d7 hitting c4 and e5 themes.
• If Black delays …c5, White can play 8.Nbc3, 9.O-O, and 10.b3, keeping a rock-solid center and threatening Ba3 to trade Dark-square bishops, dulling Black’s Grünfeld bishop.

Interesting Facts

• The move 7.Ne2 was once considered passive, but computer engines now rate it as one of White’s most resilient tries against the Neo-Grünfeld.
• Because the White knight skips f3, Black no longer has thematic …Bg4 pins, forcing a different brand of Grünfeld counterplay.
• The structure with pawns on d5/e4 is reminiscent of certain French Advance variations, yet with bishops outside the pawn chain, giving the position a unique hybrid character.

Sample Repertoire Line (for both sides)

[[Pgn| d4|Nf6|c4|g6|g3|d5|Bg2|Bg7|cxd5|Nxd5| e4|Nb6|Ne2|c5|d5|e6|Nbc3|exd5|exd5|O-O|O-O| Be3|N8d7|b3|Re8|Qd2|c4|Bd4 ]]

A balanced continuation: White maintains the strong d-pawn; Black gains queenside space and tactical chances on c4 and e4.