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The Grunfeld Defense Video

The Grunfeld Defense in this video is a very modern defense used to counter the usual d4 opening from white. The instructor discusses this type of play as one avoiding to control the center early on with black's pawns. Rather, black attacks the center with these minor pieces from the sides and by the time the foundation is in place, looks to destabilize the control of the center that white usually enjoys.

Kevin introduces the three main lines of Grunfeld Defense. One is the exchange variation that is the main line, and what many players analyze when approaching this Defense. Black enables white to control the center with his pawns whereas black focuses everything on the d4 square. White is forced to react to the danger on d4 and place all his focus on defending the d4 pawn rather than using his spacial edge in the center. Things can quickly turn for the worst with all the pawns and pieces focused at the center early on without other strategy to use if one of the players loose focus.

For those white players who do not focus on defending, and instead like to always attack, the Russian variation lets white to sacrifice the likely strong pawn center and rather, get his queen involved and maintain the force on black. It is not surprising that the Grunfeld defense is seen more frequently with the d4 pawn opening from white gaining favor from GM's every year. In the right hands, it is deadly and in many times, can stun a highly trained d4 player.

Check this video and learn the instructor's detailed explanation of this Defense. Use it when needed to surprise and trounce your opponent!