Lutikov Variation

The Lutikov Variation, 4. f3, is a rarely played answer to the Grünfeld. White prepares e4 with pawn backing and aims for a full center without exchanging on d5. The price is that f3 takes the natural square from the king's knight and loosens the dark squares. Black most often continues 4...Bg7, while 4...c5 and 4...dxc4 strike at once. After 4...c5 5. cxd5 Nxd5 6. Na4 the line is named the Murrey Attack. The engine rates the position as roughly balanced.