Grünfeld Defense: the complete guide
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5
Ernst Grünfeld invented it in 1922: let White build the big center, then dynamite it with ...c5 and the g7-bishop. Kasparov made it legendary; Carlsen played it in a world title match.
How it starts, move by move
- 1. d4d4 occupies the center.
- ... Nf6Nf6 develops the knight and controls e4 and d5.
- 2. c4c4 controls d5.
- ... g6g6 repositions the pawn.
- 3. Nc3Nc3 develops the knight and controls e4 and d5.
- ... d5d5 strikes at the center.
Both sides plans
White's plan
Occupy the center, develop quickly, castle, then pick a wing.
Black's plan
Contest the center before White occupies all of it.
What is actually played
Real shares of the continuations after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5, Lichess games by Elo band.
| Continuation | Elo 1400 | Elo 1600 | Elo 1800 | Elo 2000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4... Nxd5 | 24 % | 31 % | 38 % | 48 % |
| 4. Nf3 | 25 % | 23 % | 22 % | 24 % |
| 4. Bg5 | 18 % | 15 % | 12 % | 8 % |
| 4. Bf4 | 7 % | 7 % | 6 % | 5 % |
| 4. f3 | 1 % | 1 % | 1 % | 1 % |
The main variations
- Grünfeld DefenseD801. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5
- Exchange VariationD851. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. cxd5 Nxd5
- Exchange Variation, Classical VariationD861. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. cxd5 Nxd5
- Three Knights VariationD901. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. Nf3
- Three Knights VariationD901. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. Nf3 Bg7
- Russian VariationD961. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. Nf3 Bg7
- Brinckmann AttackD821. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. Bf4
- Russian VariationD971. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. Nf3 Bg7
- Exchange Variation, Spassky VariationD871. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. cxd5 Nxd5
- Brinckmann Attack, Grünfeld GambitD831. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. Bf4 Bg7
- Russian Variation, Smyslov VariationD981. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. Nf3 Bg7
- Exchange Variation, Modern Exchange VariationD851. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. cxd5 Nxd5
Frequently asked questions
- What moves start the Grünfeld Defense?
- The Grünfeld Defense starts with 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5. Every move is explained in the interactive explorer.
- How many named variations does the Grünfeld Defense have?
- 57 named variations, from the Lichess ECO database. The main ones are listed on this page; the full tree lives in the branch map.
- What is the most played continuation?
- Around 2000 Elo, the most frequent continuation is 4... Nxd5, played in 48% of games (Lichess data).
- How can I learn the Grünfeld Defense for free?
- The explorer, free play, review cards and the essential ★1 course of the Grünfeld Defense are free on OpeningMate. The ★2 to ★5 levels and per-variation courses are part of Premium.
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