ECO D80 · for Black
Grünfeld Defense
The line below is what Lichess 1600-1800 players actually play: after the opening's defining moves, each move is the most common choice at that point. The notes are Chessbook's move notes, the same ones shown while building a repertoire.
1,252,891 games in this band reached the Grünfeld Defense position. From there Black won 49% and drew 5%.
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. cxd5 Nxd5 5. e4 Nxc3 6. bxc3 Bg7 7. Nf3 c5 8. Be3 Nc6 9. Bb5
Moves 1 to 2
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6
1. d4
The Queen's Pawn opening is more usually more positional in nature, White intends to develop the pieces while having a share of the center.
1... Nf6
Preventing e4 while developing a piece.
2. c4
Controlling some central squares using a flank pawn before playing Nc3
2... g6
Aiming to fianchetto the bishop on g7, which can lead to the King's Indian Defense or the Grunfeld Defense. This move also prepares for a potential kingside castle.
Moves 3 to 4
3. Nc3 d5 4. cxd5 Nxd5
3. Nc3
Developing the knight to a natural square, preparing to control the center with e4 and also allowing the c1 bishop to develop.
3... d5
Fighting back in the center, with the intention of using c5 as a main central break.
4. cxd5
capturing on d5 with the intent of playing e4 next to kick the knight and gain space.
- 4. Nf3: Developing the knight while overprotecting d4 and preparing to meet dxc4 with e4.
4... Nxd5
Recapturing the pawn with the knight getting ready to trade on c3 after e4.
Moves 5 to 6
5. e4 Nxc3 6. bxc3 Bg7
5. e4
Kicking the knight and gaining space.
5... Nxc3
After the recapture Bg7 and c5 will put pressure on the center, giving black compensation.
6. bxc3
Recapturing the knight with a large space advantage.
6... Bg7
Placing the bishop on the long diagonal where it will put constant pressure on white's center.
Moves 7 to 9
7. Nf3 c5 8. Be3 Nc6 9. Bb5
7. Nf3
Developing the knight in order to strengthen the center.
- 7. Bc4: Developing the bishop, looking to continue with Ne2 and Be3 to support the center.
7... c5
Attacking the center and pressuring the dark squares.
8. Be3
8... Nc6
9. Bb5
Plans for Black in this position
What Black usually does from here in Chessbook's games data. Hover a move to see it on the board.
- Black typically castles kingside
- The pawn on c5 generally captures the pawn on d4
- The pawn on b7 usually recaptures the bishop on c6
- The bishop on g4 often captures the knight on f3
- The queen typically develops to a5
- The light-squared bishop generally develops to g4
- A common pawn move is c5
Related opening guides
- Sicilian Defense for Black
- French Defense for Black
- Scandinavian Defense for Black
- Caro-Kann Defense for Black
- Scandinavian Defense: Mieses-Kotroc Variation for Black
- Philidor Defense for Black