Fianchetto Variation with ...c6 and ...d5 is variation 6 of 6 in the Grünfeld Defence course, a advanced opening course for Black (ECO D78). It runs 22 moves and begins 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nf3 Bg7 4. g3 c6 …. White fianchettoes with g3 and Bg2. Black plays the solid ...c6 and ...d5. After the exchange on d5 White tries Ne5 and f4, Black stays solid with ...e6, ...Nfd7 and ...Nc6, then challenges the e5 knight. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. d4 – White occupies the centre.
1... Nf6 – Develops.
2. c4 – Gains space.
2... g6 – Prepares ...Bg7.
3. Nf3 – Develops flexibly.
3... Bg7 – Fianchettoes.
4. g3 – White fianchettoes too, pressing on d5 and the long diagonal.
4... c6 – Supports ...d5 so that the d-pawn can be recaptured with a pawn.
5. Bg2 – Completes the fianchetto.
5... d5 – Takes the centre with the c6 support.
6. cxd5 – Opens the c-file and makes the position symmetrical.
6... cxd5 – Recaptures with the c-pawn to keep a pawn in the centre.
7. Nc3 – Develops and attacks d5.
7... O-O – Castles.
8. Ne5 – Occupies e5 to attack f7 and support f4.
8... e6 – Solidly defends d5 and prepares ...Nfd7 to challenge the e5 knight.
The lesson goes on for 6 more moves, each with its explanation.
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