Theoria
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Grünfeld Defense

Russian Variation, Byrne Variation

D97gambittactical

  1. 1.d4Nf6
  2. 2.c4g6
  3. 3.Nc3d5
  4. 4.Nf3Bg7
  5. 5.Qb3dxc4
  6. 6.Qxc4O-O
  7. 7.e4Nc6
140 games49%43%

Grünfeld Russian Variation line with 7...Nc6, pressuring d4 and often leading to a pawn sacrifice for development after 8. Be2 e5.

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About the Byrne Variation

The Byrne Variation meets White's broad center with 7...Nc6. The knight develops toward d4 instead of preparing queenside expansion. The usual reply is 8. Be2. Black then often continues 8...e5 9. d5 Nd4 10. Nxd4 exd4 11. Qxd4, giving up a pawn for quick development and piece activity. Less common are 8. d5 and 8. e5, which gain space by attacking a knight, and Black has scored well against both. The engine rates the position as roughly balanced.

Popular continuations