GRUENFELD DEFENSE Series- I

Gruenfeld Defence is a powerful response from black to White's 1. d4. This opening is charaterised by:

1. d4 Nf6

2. c4 g6

3. Nc3 d5 (signature move)

In this opening- black allows white to build a big pawn center only to demolish it later. In Gruenfeld defence- contrary to classical principles, black argues that a big pawn center is a liability rather than an asset.

In this Gruenfeld Defense Series- I will be presenting some of my games as I work my way to mastering this weapon for black.

On move 7, does  Ne4 for Black win ?    ie; 12 Nxe4, dxe   13 Nd4, Bxd4   14 exd, Qxd4   attacking B and R

Forgive me if im missing something may i ask why on move 20 white king did not take rook?

I didn't use an engine, but i think after 20.Kxf2 black has Qf6+ and wins the rook on a1.

I ran analysis through an engine. To 7...Ne4 (engine apparently likes this move) it gives the following line with slight advantage to black.

After reading what he said a few times. I realized what he is saying.

He did a typo and a miscalcuation I believe.

He is not talking about Ne4 at move 7

He is talking about Ne4 at move 11.

11...Ne4 12. Nxe4 dxe4   13.Nd4  Bxd4   14. exd Qxd4   attacking B and R

It only attacks the Rook though because the pawn is blocking the bishop.

However, It was very interesting to see nonetheless.

Now explain why 7...Ne4 is a good move.  Not engine analysis, but why you think its a good move.

This is actually very amazing.

After 7...Ne4 databases show black doing great. They have a plus winning score lol.

What is even more bizarre is the fact no one has played out the engine line you are recommending.

Here is another game which is very similar.

Well this is very absurd.

They are chosing the one variation over the other.

However, It seems like 7...Ne4 is reaching same position as other.

In fact, they don't even give white with many options after 7...Ne4

Most of the 2200+ peeps are playing only like 2 moves lol.

8.Rc1 is most played move there.

After which 8...Nd7 again we reach a position this time with only 1 move being played.

9.cxd5

9...Qa5 is a tranposition back into the continuation with 7...Qa5

What on earth is the difference.

OOOOOOO I see the difference.

7...Qa5  8.Rc1 Nd7

At move 9 they have played another move besides cxd5 which is 9.Qa5  

Yeah very interesting.

Yeah I am not buying it. Something is missing here. Very odd indeed.

I just went over my original comment asking about 7....Ne4 and provided analysis starting 12 Nxe4.

I meant how about 11.....Ne4.    If 12 Nxe4, dxe  and Black looks for choice.   Comments ?

I am amazed at the very positive lines for 7.....Ne4 !!  but I meant on Black's move 11 to take advantage of pins.

In response to text in Green

I deciphered your mistake 5 days ago. I knew you was talking about 11...Ne4

I showed a flaw in your original analysis which I posted on post #6.

You thought the Queen would hit the Bishop and the Rook. I believe you forgot about the pawn being in the way.

However, I do believe your line is still good. I believe you do have an improvement in that continuation.

Instead of playing 13...Bxd4. I would play 13...e5! which forks the 2 minor pieces.

In response to text in Red

I posted the continuation with 7...Ne4 on post #8.

7...Ne4 can often tranpose into the other continuation with 7...Qa5.

Thank you X_Player_X for your reply.   Yes, I forgot about the pawn being in the way.  As you point out, 13......e5 !  wins in the line you give in Red.

7......Ne4 looks very dynamic.   I went over the lines given.   However I must go over them another few times till I feel comfortable.