Grünfeld Defense: Counterthrust Variation

The move d4 is commonly played by White in the Queen's Pawn Opening to control the center of the board and prepare for piece development. It also clears the way for the c4 pawn to move forward, which can support the development of the knight or bishop. This move can lead to a highly tactical and complex game, as both sides compete for control of the central squares.

By playing Nf6 after White's d4 move, Black aims to contest control over the central squares, specifically the squares e4 and d5. The knight can also help to support the e7 pawn and prepare for king-side castling. Moreover, it puts pressure on the pawn at c4, which can limit White's options for pawn advances. This move is commonly seen in many openings where Black attempts to gain a foothold in the center of the board.

White's move c4 prepares to control the central square d5 and challenges Black's control of the center. By advancing this pawn, White creates the potential for a powerful pawn chain with d4-c4, which supports piece development and creates pawn breaks. Additionally, it opens up the possibility for the queen to be developed, either to c2 or a3, putting pressure on the black knight and potentially forcing it to move again. This move is a popular starting point for several openings, including the Queen's Gambit and the King's Indian Attack.

In the Grünfeld Defense: Counterthrust Variation, Black often responds to the move 2. c4 with g6, aiming to fianchetto the bishop on g7 and control the long diagonal. This move also allows the knight on f6 to support the pawn at e5, further strengthening Black's position in the center. By placing the bishop on g7, it also indirectly puts pressure on White's pawn chain in the center. Additionally, it can also be used to prepare for king-side castling and eventually launch an attack on White's king.

White's move g3 is often played to fianchetto the king's bishop on g2 and prepare for a king-side castle. The move also supports the pawn chain with pawns on d4, c4, and g3. The bishop on g2 controls the long diagonal, putting pressure on the center and potentially attacking Black's position. Additionally, this move frees up the knight on g1 to be developed, typically to f3 or e2, putting additional pressure on Black's pawn at e5. This move can also lead to positional games by allowing the White player to build a strong foundation for their pieces.

Black plays Bg7 in response to 3. g3 in order to fianchetto their king's bishop, controlling the long diagonal and putting pressure on the center of the board. Additionally, the bishop on g7 allows Black's knight on f6 to move and potentially support e5 in the center. The move also aligns Black's king and bishop on the same diagonal, preparing for king-side castling and creating a solid defense. However, by committing to the long diagonal, the bishop can be vulnerable to attacks by White's pieces, especially if Black's pawn structure on the king-side is weakened.

In the Grünfeld Defense: Counterthrust Variation, White often responds to 3...Bg7 with Bg2, completing the development of the king's bishop on the long diagonal, controlling central squares and putting pressure on Black's position. This move also opens the f1-a6 diagonal for the queen to be developed, which can be used to support the pawn chain and attack Black's position. By placing the bishop on g2, White supports their pawn chain with pawns on d4, c4 and g3, creating a solid structure and bridging the queen and king-side. Additionally, this move prepares for a king-side castle and adds an extra defender to White's king-side.

Black's move d5 aims to take control of the central square and to counter White's attempt to secure a strong pawn chain in the center of the board. By playing d5, Black also opens up space for their bishop on g7 and gains space to develop their pieces. Additionally, this move challenges White's bishop on g2, potentially disrupting their plans and putting pressure on the center of the board. However, by advancing their pawn, Black also weakens their pawn structure and makes the pawn on d5 a potential target for White's pieces.