Neo-Grünfeld Defense: Classical Variation, Original Defense

The first move of the Neo-Grunfeld Defense is 1. d4. White intends to control the center of the board and thereby restrict Black’s mobility. Conceding the center to Black is not what White desires and they seek to avoid it. By advancing the pawn to d4, White limits Black’s options and prepares to develop their pieces to good squares. The move also makes it possible for White to bring out their knight to f3 and bishop to g2, which will put pressure on Black's position.

Black responds to 1. d4 by playing 1...Nf6. This move allows Black to fight for control of the center, blocks White's pawn advance to e4, and prepares to develop their own pieces. The knight also puts pressure on White's d4 pawn, making it more difficult for White to maintain control of the center. Additionally, this move is the first step in developing Black's pieces towards the king's side, allowing them to castle and strengthen their defense.

Following Black's response of 1...Nf6, White plays 2. c4. With this move, White seeks to take control of the central squares of the board and restrict Black's mobility. By advancing the pawn to c4, White supports their d4 pawn and opens up paths for their queen and bishop to enter the game. White also establishes a pawn chain in the center of the board, which can be difficult for Black to break down. Finally, the move sets the stage for various popular openings, such as the Queen's Gambit and the King's Indian Defense.

In the Neo-Grünfeld Defense: Classical Variation, Original Defense, Black responds to 2. c4 by playing 2...g6. This move allows Black to prepare for the fianchetto of their kingside bishop, supporting pawn advances on the kingside, and creating counterplay against White's center. The move also sets up a possible transposition into the King's Indian Defense. By fianchettoing their bishop, Black gains control over the crucial central squares, especially d5 and e4, which White aims to occupy. Black's kingside bishop also puts pressure on White's knight on f3, which may be forced to retreat or be exchanged off.

Following Black's move of 2...g6 in response to 2. c4, White plays 3. Nf3. This move is designed to control the e5 square, which is a crucial central square that Black will aim to exploit. The knight also positions itself to support pawn advances on the kingside and maintain control over the center. Additionally, the move prepares to castle kingside and protect White's king. Finally, the knight on f3 may support an eventual pawn advance to e4, which would further secure White's control over the center.

After White's move of 3. Nf3, Black moves their bishop to g7 in order to develop their pieces and control crucial central squares. The bishop exerts pressure on White's center, supporting a subsequent pawn push to e5. The bishop also aids in Black's kingside castling, setting up a strong defense for their king. In addition, the bishop's placement on the long diagonal opens up potential for an attack on White's kingside. Finally, developing the bishop to g7 allows Black to support their pawn on d5, which may become a target for White.

In the Neo-Grünfeld Defense: Classical Variation, Original Defense, White responds to Black's move of 3...Bg7 by playing 4. g3. This move prepares to fianchetto the bishop on the kingside and support pawn advances on that wing. The move also facilitates a subsequent development of the knight to g2, where it may support pawn advances and control crucial central squares. Furthermore, the pawn on g3 may provide shelter for the king in case of any unforeseen attacks. Finally, the move lays the ground for a possible transposition into a variety of openings, such as the King's Indian Defense or the Catalan Opening.

After White's move of 4. g3, Black responds by castling kingside with move 5...O-O. This move helps to safeguard the king by placing it behind a wall of pawns, and also enables the rook on h8 to potentially become more active in the endgame. Castling also allows Black to connect their rooks and complete their development, which is an important goal in the opening. Moreover, castling puts Black's king on the opposite flank of White's, setting up a potential race to attack. Finally, the move allows for Black's queen rook to connect with the king's bishop via an open diagonal, which may prove important in possible attacks on White's position.

After Black's move of 4...O-O, White develops their bishop with 5. Bg2. This move completes White's kingside development, placing the bishop on a strong diagonal where it exerts pressure on Black's center and kingside. By placing the bishop on g2, White also avoids the possibility of a potential pin from Black's bishop on the c8-h3 diagonal. The bishop's placement also supports a pawn advance to d5, strengthening White's control over the center. Additionally, the bishop's presence on g2 opens up possibilities for long-term strategic ideas, such as a kingside attack or pressure on the b7 pawn. Finally, the move helps to connect White's rooks and lays the foundation for the next phase of the game.

In the Neo-Grünfeld Defense: Classical Variation, Original Defense, Black responds to White's move of 5. Bg2 by playing 5...c6. This move helps to control the central square at d5 and restricts potential pawn advances by White. The move also supports Black's pawn on d5, which may come under attack by White's pieces. Furthermore, the move prepares for a possible pawn advance to d4, closing off the center and restricting White's pieces' mobility. Additionally, the pawn on c6 may support a future b5 advance, gaining space on the queenside and potentially disrupting White's pawn structure. Finally, the move is a key step in Black's development, allowing them to bring out their queen bishop and connect their rooks.

After Black's move of 5...c6, White responds by also castling kingside with move 6. O-O. This move follows the general opening principles of getting the king to safety while connecting the rooks. The move also helps to secure the king in the corner of the board, where it is less susceptible to attacks by Black's pieces. Castling also puts White's king on the opposite flank of Black's king, which may lead to interesting tactical and strategic possibilities. Finally, the move completes White's development and prepares to deploy their pieces in an active manner.

After White's move of 6. O-O, Black responds by playing 6...d5. This move aims to take control over the center and restrict White's mobility by pushing their pawn to d4. It also puts pressure on White's e4 pawn and opens up lines for Black's bishop on g7. The move also supports Black's pawn on c6, making it more difficult for White to mount an effective attack on it. Furthermore, the move helps to develop Black's pieces, readying them for active play in the middle game. Finally, the move may lead to simplified positions, opening up possibilities for an endgame with a pawn majority in the center for Black.