The Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Modern Exchange Variation, Pawn Grab Line reaches a named position after 10 moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. cxd5 Nxd5 5. e4 Nxc3 6. bxc3 Bg7 7. Nf3 c5 8. Rb1 O-O 9. Be2 Nc6 10. d5 Bxc3+
In practical games, this line matters because the early pawn and piece choices decide which middlegame plans are natural. Use the board above to learn the move order, then complete Practice without hints before adding the opening to your regular queue.
If this exact branch does not appear in your games, study the related lines below. Openings often transpose, and recognizing the family pattern is more useful than memorizing one narrow sequence.
The idea behind this line
Black lets White occupy the center, then attacks it immediately with pieces and ...c5.
What to look for
- Support the d4 and e4 center.
- Use the passed d-pawn after exchanges.
- Develop before pushing the center farther.
Position details
This line branches from Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Modern Exchange Variation with Rb1.
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