D99

Grünfeld Defense: Russian Variation, Smyslov Variation

Key moves: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5

The Grünfeld Defence is a hypermodern opening where Black allows White to build a big pawn centre, then attacks it with pieces and the ...c5 break. The central tension creates exciting, tactical positions.

History & Notable Players

Introduced by Ernst Grünfeld in 1922. It became a world-class weapon through Vasily Smyslov and Bobby Fischer, and was later used extensively by Garry Kasparov in his World Championship matches.

Best Games

Miton, Kamil vs Navara, David0-1
Wch U14 • 1998★ Notable
Ivanchuk, Vassily vs Timman, Jan H1-0
Linares • 1993★ Notable
Smyslov, Vassily vs Botvinnik, Mikhail1-0
World Championship 22th • 1958★ Notable
Euwe, Max vs Smyslov, Vassily1-0
World Championship 18th • 1948★ Notable
Euwe, Max vs Smyslov, Vassily0-1
World Championship 18th • 1948★ Notable
Keres, Paul vs Smyslov, Vassily1/2-1/2
World Championship 18th • 1948★ Notable
Beliavsky,A vs Ftacnik,L1-0
37th Olympiad • 2006
Radjabov,T vs Ivanchuk,V0-1
FIDE GP • 2002
Radjabov,T vs Ivanchuk,V1/2-1/2
FIDE GP • 2002
Sosonko, Gennadi vs Timman, Jan H1/2-1/2
Tilburg • 1980
Lilienthal, Andor vs Bronstein, David I1/2-1/2
Saltsjobaden Interzonal • 1948
Beliavsky,A vs Goormachtigh,J1-0
Sunway Sitges Open 2018 • 2018
Jojua,D vs Nepomniachtchi,I1/2-1/2
16th ch-EUR Indiv 2015 • 2015
Miton,K vs Nepomniachtchi,I0-1
European Blitz 2011 • 2011
El Gindy,E vs Ponomariov,R0-1
World Cup • 2009
Beliavsky,A vs Krasenkow,M1-0
Casino • 2007
Dourerassou,J vs Carlsen,M0-1
WYb14 • 2003
Babula,V vs Navara,D0-1
ch-CZE • 2003
Kazhgaleyev,M vs Vachier Lagrave,M1-0
28th Rapid Open • 2003
Horvath,Cs vs Nakamura,H1-0
FSGMA April • 2002

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