Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Nadanian Attack

The opening move 1. d4 played by White aims to control the center and potentially threaten the Black pawn on e5. In response, Black counters with 1...Nf6, also controlling the center and preparing to develop pieces. White continues with 2. c4, attacking the Black pawn and preparing to develop the queen's knight to its natural square on d2. Black responds with 2...g6, intending to fianchetto the bishop and control the dark squares. White develops the knight to c3 with 3. Nc3, putting pressure on the Black pawn on d5. Black responds with 3...d5, establishing control in the center. White proceeds with 4. cxd5, exchanging pawns and opening up the center. This is followed by 4...Nxd5, and then the tricky 5. Na4, also known as the Nadanian Attack.

Black's move 1...Nf6 is a solid response to White's opening move 1. d4. By placing the knight in the center, Black controls important squares and keeps options open for developing other pieces. Additionally, placing the knight on f6 directly attacks the pawn on d4, which could potentially force an early exchange of pawns or give Black a strong pawn center if White chooses to protect the d4 pawn. In sum, 1...Nf6 is a flexible move that allows for a variety of pawn structures and potential tactical opportunities.

White's move 2. c4 is a common response to Black's 1...Nf6. By advancing the pawn to c4, White gains control of the central squares and prepares to develop the queen's knight to c3. Additionally, the move puts pressure on Black's pawn on d5, potentially leading to exchanges or opening up the center. In some variations, White may choose to advance the pawn to d5, establishing a strong pawn center and limiting Black's options for counterplay. In sum, 2. c4 is a strong move in the opening that aims to control the center and develop pieces.

In the Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Nadanian Attack, Black's move 2...g6 is a common choice. By playing g6, Black intends to fianchetto the bishop on g7, controlling important diagonal squares and putting pressure on White's center. Additionally, the move allows Black to potentially develop the king's knight to g7 and castle kingside, creating a solid pawn chain and defending the king. The fianchettoed bishop also has potential to become a strong attacking piece later in the game. In sum, 2...g6 is a solid move in the Grünfeld Defense, allowing Black to establish a strong, flexible pawn structure and plan for future development.

In response to Black's 2...g6, White's move 3. Nc3 aims to develop a piece and control the central squares. Placing the knight on c3 supports the pawn on d4, which is under pressure from Black's pawn on f6 and knight on f6. Additionally, the knight is well positioned to potentially attack Black's pawn on d5 or support an e4 push. Developing the knight to c3 is a natural move in the opening that prepares for future play and maintains flexibility in the position. In sum, 3. Nc3 is a solid move that builds on the opening principles of controlling the center and developing pieces.

In response to White's 3. Nc3, Black's move 3...d5 targets the central square, challenging White's control over it. By establishing a pawn on d5, Black creates potential for counterplay and the possibility of expanding the pawn chain in the center. The move also opens up avenues for the light-squared bishop and frees the knight on f6 to potentially move and target White's pieces. Additionally, playing d5 can help prevent White from pushing the pawn to e4, a common plan in some variations. In sum, 3...d5 is a strong move that helps Black establish a foothold in the center and limit White's options for expansion.

In the Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Nadanian Attack, White's move 4. cxd5 follows the principle of central control and challenges Black's control over the d5 square. By exchanging pawns, White can potentially isolate Black's pawn on d5 and gain more space in the center. Additionally, the move frees the queen's knight to potentially move and target Black's pieces. However, exchanging pawns can also open up lines for Black's pieces, so White must be careful not to weaken their position too much. In sum, 4. cxd5 is a strong move that sets the stage for further development and maneuvering.

In response to White's 4. cxd5, Black's move 4...Nxd5 follows the principle of developing a piece and preventing White from maintaining a strong pawn center. By capturing with the knight, Black establishes a presence in the center and puts pressure on White's pawn on c4. Additionally, moving the knight opens up avenues for the light-squared bishop and potentially allows the f-pawn to move to f6 later, further solidifying Black's position. However, capturing with the knight also brings the piece out early, potentially making it a target. In sum, 4...Nxd5 is a strong move that helps Black establish control in the center and gives them options for future play.

In the position after 4...Nxd5, White's move 5. Na4 is a less common but aggressive move known as the Nadanian Attack. By moving the knight to a4, White puts pressure on Black's pawn on c5 and potentially tries to lure the knight back to b6. Additionally, the knight on a4 can target Black's bishop on b4 if it moves to that square later. However, the move also involves a loss of tempo and places the knight on the edge of the board, potentially making it vulnerable to attack. In sum, 5. Na4 is a provocative move that requires careful play from both sides to navigate its potential subtleties.