Chess opening · ECO D80
Grünfeld Defense
The Grünfeld Defense starts 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5. It ranks #112 of the 174 openings on this site by how often rated players on Lichess reach it.
Move by move
- 1. d4White pushes the d-pawn two squares to d4, staking a claim in the center.
- 1... Nf6Black develops the kingside knight to f6.
- 2. c4White pushes the c-pawn two squares to c4.
- 2... g6Black advances the g-pawn to g6.
- 3. Nc3White develops the queenside knight to c3.
- 3... d5Black pushes the d-pawn two squares to d5, staking a claim in the center.
What players choose next, by rating
The three most common White moves from this position in rated Lichess games, grouped by the rating of the player making the move. Among players rated 1200–1399, the most popular next move is e3; among players rated 2000 and up, it is cxd5.
| Rating | Most common | Second | Third |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1200–1399 | e3 27% | cxd5 26% | Nf3 24% |
| 1400–1599 | cxd5 29% | e3 26% | Nf3 22% |
| 1600–1799 | cxd5 31% | Nf3 22% | e3 21% |
| 1800–1999 | cxd5 47% | Nf3 21% | e3 14% |
| 2000 and up | cxd5 52% | Nf3 24% | e3 7% |
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