Paris Variation, Grunfeld
Paris Variation, Grünfeld
Definition
The Paris Variation is a sideline of the Grünfeld Defence that arises after the moves
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. Bf4
With the early 4.Bf4 White avoids the heavily-analysed Exchange (4.cxd5) and Russian (4.Nf3) systems, preferring instead to develop the queen’s bishop to an active square before committing the central pawns. The line is called the “Paris” Variation because it was played in several strong Paris tournaments during the 1920s–30s, most notably by Alexander Alekhine and Savielly Tartakower, and was later analysed in French chess periodicals of the era.
Typical Move Order & Key Position
One of the most common continuations runs:
- 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.Bf4 Bg7
- 5.e3 0-0 6.Nf3 c5 7.dxc5 Qa5
- 8.Rc1 dxc4 9.Bxc4 Qxc5
After 9…Qxc5 the following features usually shape the middlegame:
- White has exchanged the c-pawn for Black’s d-pawn, reducing Black’s central pressure.
- Black enjoys a lead in development and queenside pressure along the a7–g1 diagonal and the open c-file.
- White aims for a solid set-up with Be2, 0-0, and sometimes Qe2, planning either e3-e4 or b2-b4 to gain space.
Strategic Ideas
- For White
- Keep the pawn structure flexible; the e-pawn often remains on e3 for a long time, waiting for the right moment to advance.
- Exploit the bishop on f4, which eyes the key diagonal c7–h2 and can later re-route to g3 or h4.
- Undermine Black’s queenside expansion with a timely b2-b4 or challenge the centre with e3-e4.
- For Black
- Strike at the centre with …c5 and …e5 when possible, backed up by pieces on the long diagonal.
- Use the open c-file (often doubled rooks on c8 and c5) to pressure c4/c3 or invade on c2.
- If White castles kingside early, consider a minority attack with …b5–b4, dislodging the c3-knight.
Historical & Theoretical Significance
The Paris Variation has never been the main line of the Grünfeld, but it has served as a useful surprise weapon for many strong players:
- Alexander Alekhine employed it in Paris, 1933, beating Tartakower in 30 moves.
- Viktor Korchnoi used it in his 1970 Candidates match versus Geller, scoring a vital win in game 6.
- In the computer era the line resurfaces periodically in rapid and blitz events, where its off-beat nature forces opponents to think for themselves early on.
The variation currently carries a modest but sound reputation. Engines give a roughly equal evaluation, but practical chances abound for both sides because the pawn structures differ from the highly-theoretical Exchange System.
Illustrative Mini-Game
Below is a concise model game that shows typical plans for both colours:
[[Pgn| d4|Nf6|c4|g6|Nc3|d5|Bf4|Bg7|e3|0-0|Nf3|c5|dxc5|Qa5|Rc1|dxc4|Bxc4|Qxc5|Qe2|Nc6|0-0|Qh5|Rfd1|]]- White trades on c5 to eliminate Black’s central pawn and achieves a solid structure.
- Black regains the pawn and places the queen aggressively, but later drifts, letting White consolidate and launch e3-e4.
Typical Tactical Motifs
- Discovery on the g7-bishop: if White plays Nxd5 at the right moment, the bishop on f4 can suddenly hit c7.
- Queen-side pins: …Qa5 and …Qc5 often pin a knight on c3, encouraging Black’s …b5 break.
- Exchange sacrifices on c3: …Rxc3 or …Bxc3 followed by …Qc3+ can arise when White lags in development.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The line’s name is sometimes confused with the “Paris Defence” (an old name for 1.e4 e5 2.Qh5), but they are completely unrelated.
- Tartakower jokingly called the system “the Frenchman’s Grünfeld”—it keeps a strong central pawn on e3, reminiscent of the French Defence structures he loved.
- Online databases show that the Paris Variation scores 54 % for White below master level but only 48 % at GM level, reflecting Black’s superior understanding of dynamic Grünfeld play.