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Grünfeld Defense

Makogonov Variation

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  1. 1.d4Nf6
  2. 2.c4g6
  3. 3.Nc3d5
  4. 4.Nf3Bg7
  5. 5.e3O-O
  6. 6.b4
117 games46%50%

A rare Grünfeld Defense sideline in which White meets the quiet 5. e3 setup by pushing 6. b4, gaining queenside space at once instead of developing.

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About the Makogonov Variation

The Makogonov Variation comes from the Three Knights line of the Grünfeld after the restrained 5. e3. White answers 5...O-O with 6. b4, taking queenside space rather than finishing kingside development. The most frequent reply, 6...a5, hits the advanced pawn immediately, though White has scored well in those games. Engines favor developing with 6...Be6, 6...c6 or 6...Bg4 and rate the position as roughly level. The variation is rarely played.

Popular continuations