Theoria
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Grünfeld Defense

Russian Variation, Szabo Variation

D97solidpositional

  1. 1.d4Nf6
  2. 2.c4g6
  3. 3.Nc3d5
  4. 4.Nf3Bg7
  5. 5.Qb3dxc4
  6. 6.Qxc4O-O
  7. 7.e4c6
209 games52%43%

Grünfeld Defense line where Black meets the Russian Variation with 7...c6, a quiet move preparing queenside play against White's queen and center.

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About the Szabo Variation

The Szabo Variation is Black's 7...c6 in the Russian Variation of the Grünfeld Defense. It is a modest move that controls d5 and b5 and prepares ...b5 to gain time against the white queen on c4. White most often replies 8. Be2, completing development behind the d4–e4 center. 8. e5 and 8. Be3 are less frequent. The line is rarely seen, and the engine gives White a slight edge.

Popular continuations