Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Modern Exchange Variation, Kramnik's Line

Chess players who open with 1. d4 aim to control the center of the board by allowing their pawns to occupy d4 and e4. The move Nf3 prepares to support the pawn on d4, and the pawn move c4 attacks Black's possible pawn on d5. After Nf6, White has the option of pinning the knight with Bg5 or continuing with the development of pieces. By choosing 3. cxd5, White captures Black's knight on d5 and gains control of the center of the board. The move e4 further supports the central pawns, while Nxc3 allows White to double Black's pawns, potentially creating weaknesses in Black's position. The inclusion of h3 prevents counterplay with Ng4 and prepares to defend against possible pieces on g4 in the future.

Black plays Nf6 in response to 1. d4 because this move immediately stakes a claim on the center of the board and helps control important squares like d5 and e4. Additionally, Nf6 allows Black to threaten to attack White's pawn on e4 with a later d5, possibly even creating opportunities for a queen knight fork if White responds by moving their d-pawn. In sum, Nf6 is a common and strong reply to 1. d4 that sets the stage for a potentially complex and dynamic game.

White plays Nf3 after 1. d4 Nf6 in order to bolster their position in the center of the board and prepare to control the important e4 square. By placing the knight on f3, White sets up the possibility of playing e4 themselves, or defending a pawn on e4 if Black chooses to attack it. Additionally, Nf3 brings a valuable piece into the game and sets White up to castle kingside and link their rooks. In sum, Nf3 is a flexible and strong choice for White that puts pressure on Black to respond intelligently.

In the Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Modern Exchange Variation, Kramnik's Line, Black often chooses to play g6 after 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3. This move prepares for a fianchettoed bishop on g7 that helps control the important central squares. Additionally, g6 stops White from playing Bg5 and pinning the knight on f6, giving Black more flexibility with their pawn structure. The move also paves the way for castling kingside and connecting Black's rooks. In sum, g6 is a popular and sound choice for Black that sets up a dynamic game with many possibilities.

White plays c4 after 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 to control the central squares and gain more space on the board. This move attacks Black's pawn on d5 and sets up the possibility of a powerful d4-d5 thrust that can disrupt Black's pawn structure. c4 also prepares the way for White's queen bishop to be developed to c4 or b5. By putting pressure on Black's position, White aims to gain an advantage in the early stages of the game. In sum, c4 is a natural and strong move that is a common feature in many opening systems.

Black plays Bg7 after 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. c4 as part of a standard setup involving a fianchettoed bishop on the long diagonal. Bg7 helps control the center of the board and prepares to connect Black's rooks. Additionally, Bg7 puts pressure on White's pawn on d4, which can be attacked by a pawn push to e5 or challenged by a knight on c6. By developing their pieces harmoniously, Black sets up a solid position that can be used for both defense and counterattack. In sum, Bg7 is a logical and common move in many opening systems.

In the Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Modern Exchange Variation, Kramnik's Line, White often chooses to play Nc3 after 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. c4 Bg7. This move develops a piece and prepares to support the central pawn on d4. Nc3 also frees the way for White's queen bishop to be developed and allows for the possibility of pawn captures on c3. Additionally, Nc3 puts pressure on Black's pawn on d5 and threatens to gain control of the center with a later e4 push. In sum, Nc3 is a flexible and versatile move that sets White up for a potentially powerful attack.

Black plays d5 after 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. c4 Bg7 4. Nc3 to directly challenge White's control of the center of the board. This move frees the knight on f6 to be developed and opens lines for the queen bishop on c8. Additionally, d5 attacks White's pawn on e4, creating the possibility of pawn captures and a weakening of White's pawn structure. By playing d5, Black aims to equalize the situation in the center and gain more space on the board. In sum, d5 is a common and strong move in many opening systems.

White plays cxd5 after 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. c4 Bg7 4. Nc3 d5 to capture Black's pawn on d5 and gain control of the center of the board. This move creates the potential for White to double Black's pawns and weaken their pawn structure. Additionally, cxd5 opens lines for White's queen bishop and puts pressure on Black's position. By playing cxd5, White aims to create weaknesses in Black's position and potentially gain an advantage in the game. In sum, cxd5 is a natural and common move in many opening systems.

In the Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Modern Exchange Variation, Kramnik's Line, Black often chooses to capture White's pawn with Nxd5 after 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. c4 Bg7 4. Nc3 d5 5. cxd5. This move undoubles Black's pawns and solidifies their position in the center of the board. Additionally, Nxd5 opens up lines for Black's pieces and puts pressure on White's center. By playing Nxd5, Black aims to equalize the position and prepare for future attacks against White's pawn structure. In sum, Nxd5 is a standard and strong response to cxd5 in many opening systems.

White plays e4 after 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. c4 Bg7 4. Nc3 d5 5. cxd5 Nxd5 in an attempt to solidify their control over the center of the board. This move gains space and increases the mobility of White's pieces. Additionally, e4 aims to gain control of the d5 square and prevent Black's pieces from occupying it. By playing e4, White also threatens to open up lines and attack Black's position. In sum, e4 is a strong move that is often played in many opening systems after the minor pieces have been developed.

Black plays Nxc3 after 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. c4 Bg7 4. Nc3 d5 5. cxd5 Nxd5 6. e4 to force White to double their pawns and potentially create weaknesses in their position. This move also allows Black to occupy the d4 square with a pawn later on, potentially gaining more control over the center of the board. Additionally, Nxc3 frees up the queen bishop on c8 and opens up lines for Black's pieces. By capturing on c3, Black aims to equalize the position and prepare for future attacks on White's pawn structure. In sum, Nxc3 is a standard and strong response to e4 in many opening systems.

In the Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Modern Exchange Variation, Kramnik's Line, White often chooses to play bxc3 after 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. c4 Bg7 4. Nc3 d5 5. cxd5 Nxd5 6. e4 Nxc3. This move undoubles White's pawns and reinforces their pawn structure. Additionally, bxc3 puts pressure on Black's position by potentially opening up lines for White's queen and bishop. By capturing the knight with bxc3, White also gains a pawn majority in the center that can be used to create breakthroughs and attack Black's position. In sum, bxc3 is a common and strong move in many opening systems that puts pressure on Black's position and prepares White for future attacks.

Black plays c5 after 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. c4 Bg7 4. Nc3 d5 5. cxd5 Nxd5 6. e4 Nxc3 7. bxc3, as a way to challenge White's control of the center and gain more space on the board. This move also potentially creates a passed pawn on the d-file and frees up lines for Black's pieces. Additionally, c5 attacks White's central pawn and can potentially create weaknesses in their position. By playing c5, Black aims to disrupt White's position, creating new opportunities for counterplay and attack. In sum, c5 is a strong move that is often played in many opening systems after the minor pieces have been developed.

White plays h3 after 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. c4 Bg7 4. Nc3 d5 5. cxd5 Nxd5 6. e4 Nxc3 7. bxc3 c5, to prevent any potential counterplay involving Ng4 and targetting White's bishop on g5. This move also creates a luft for the king and prepares to castle kingside. Additionally, h3 potentially stops Black's knight on f6 from moving to g4 and putting pressure on White's position. By playing h3, White strengthens their position and prevents any future threats that Black could launch on the kingside. In sum, h3 is a flexible and useful move that is often played in many opening systems.