Grünfeld Defense: Lutikov Variation, Murrey Attack

When white plays d4, they want to aim for a strong central control of the board. This move stakes a claim to the center squares of the board and opens up lines of attack for both the queen and bishop. It also enables white to push their pawn forward to d5, putting pressure on black's pieces and limiting their movement options.

Playing Nf6 is a sensible response to 1. d4 as it immediately aims to control the center square of e4. With this move, black also puts pressure on white's d4 pawn, making it more difficult for white to advance it further. The knight can also play an active role in the defense or offense, depending on white's next move. In sum, Nf6 is a flexible and effective way to start the game for black.

Playing c4 is a standard move after 1. d4 Nf6 as it continues to control the central squares on the board. This move also prepares to bring the white knight out to c3, which would give it good control over d5. By advancing the pawn to c4, white also puts pressure on black's knight on f6, potentially forcing it to move. In sum, c4 is a solid move that lays the foundations for a strong and flexible game plan for white.

In the Grünfeld Defense: Lutikov Variation, Murrey Attack, playing g6 is a common response for black after 2. c4. This move prepares to fianchetto the bishop to g7, which would allow it to control the long diagonal and put pressure on the center of the board. Additionally, g6 helps to prevent the white knight on c3 from moving to d5. This setup can lead to a dynamic and flexible game plan for black, with opportunities to counterattack and control the central squares. In sum, g6 is a solid choice for black that can lead to many possible variations and outcomes.

Playing Nc3 is a typical move for white after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6. This move develops the knight and puts it in line with black's d5 pawn, which could potentially be captured if black decides to play ...d5. Nc3 also prepares to castle kingside and aim to control the center with its pawns and pieces. Additionally, this move can potentially support an advance of the pawn to e4, further cementing white's control over the center. In sum, Nc3 sets a solid foundation for white's game plan and puts pressure on black to make the right strategic choices.

Playing d5 is a common move for black after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3. This move aims to control the center of the board and opens up lines for the black bishop and queen. Additionally, by pushing the d-pawn, black restricts the movement of white's knight on c3 and could potentially capture the pawn on c4 if it is left unprotected. d5 can also lead to a more solid and positional game for black, limiting white's ability to launch attacks. In sum, d5 is a sensible move that helps to establish black's presence in the center of the board.

In the Grünfeld Defense: Lutikov Variation, Murrey Attack, playing f3 is an aggressive move by white after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5. This move aims to undermine the control that black has over the center of the board. By pushing the f-pawn, white creates a pawn wedge that puts pressure on black's central pawn structure and opens up lines for the white queen and bishop. Additionally, f3 prepares for a potential pawn push to e4, which would further strengthen white's control over the center. In sum, f3 is a dynamic move that sets the stage for a more complex and aggressive game plan for white.

Playing c5 is a natural response for black after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. f3. This move aims to challenge white's control over the center of the board and create counterplay. By pushing the c-pawn, black puts pressure on white's d4 pawn and opens up lines for the black bishop and queen. Additionally, if white captures the pawn with the e5 pawn, black has the option of recapturing with the d5 pawn, further disrupting white's pawn structure. In sum, c5 is a dynamic move that helps to balance the game and create opportunities for black.

Playing cxd5 is a logical move for white after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4.f3 c5. This move looks to capture the pawn on d5 and aim to assert control over the center of the board. By removing the pawn from d5, white clears the path for the pawn to advance further, possibly to d6, squashing black's pawn structure. Additionally, capturing on d5 gains white a tempo against black's queen which would have to move from the c-file, and also opens up lines for white's queen to enter the game and potentially put pressure on black's position. In sum, cxd5 is a strong and natural move that paves the way for a powerful mid-game for white.

In the Grünfeld Defense: Lutikov Variation, Murrey Attack, playing Nxd5 is the natural and aggressive response for black after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. f3 c5 5. cxd5. This move recaptures white's capture and puts pressure on the white pawn on c4. Additionally, by capturing with the knight, Black gains the option to bring their queen to b6, putting immediate pressure on white's pawn on c4 and the white knight on c3. This move also defeats white's plan of isolating black's central pawns and opens up lines for the black bishop. In sum, Nxd5 helps black to establish central control and puts pressure on white to make the right defensive choices.

Playing Na4 is a common move for white after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. f3 c5 5. cxd5 Nxd5. This move aims to pressure the black knight on d5 and force it to move. Additionally, with the knight on a4, white can prepare to bring their bishop to b3, attacking the black pawn on c5. Na4 also opens up potential for a queen side pawn expansion with b4, which could create more space for white's pieces. In sum, Na4 is a flexible move that sets up multiple potential options and aims to disrupt black's central control.