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- This article uses algebraic notation to describe chess moves.
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| Grünfeld, exchange variation |
In chess, the Grünfeld, exchange variation chess opening occurs after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5. This position corresponds to the ECO codes D85-D89. The Exchange Variation is the oldest line of the Grünfeld. White has a strong pawn center, which Black will attack. Black concentrates usually on the d4 pawn with a pawn on c5, a bishop on g7, a knight on c6 and heavy pieces on the half-open d-file. If White manages to maintain his center, the d-pawn is likely to become a protected passed pawn. Vladimir Kramnik and Boris Gelfand are the leading practitioners as White and Lubomir Ftacnik has had many fine results with the Black pieces.
Play normally continues 5.e4 Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bg7 after which White has to decide how to place his minor pieces:
- He can play 7.Bc4, intending to put his King's Knight on e2. This falls under ECO codes D86-D89, the main variation goes 7... 0-0 8. Ne2 c5 9.0-0 Nc6 10.Be3.
- He can play 7.Nf3, intending to put the King's Bishop on e2. This is ECO code D85.
