Exchange Variation, Spassky Variation

The Spassky Variation arises from the Classical treatment of the Exchange Grünfeld, 7. Bc4 with Ne2. Black hits the d4-pawn at once with 7...c5, adding a pawn lever to the pressure from the g7-bishop. Because the center may open quickly, White develops the knight to e2 and prepares to castle. With 8...O-O, Black puts the king away first and leaves the queen's knight undeveloped for now. The alternative 8...Nc6 leads toward the Seville Variation. The pawn structure is typical of the Exchange Grünfeld. White keeps the d4-e4 center supported from c3, and Black uses the half-open d-file and the long diagonal to undermine it.

9. O-O is White's usual reply and keeps play flexible. 9. Be3 is the main alternative and adds protection to d4 before White castles. The rare 9. d5 grabs space and blunts the g7-bishop, and it has scored well for White in a small sample. The engine rates the position as close to balanced. On Lichess, White and Black win almost equally often, and draws are uncommon.