Closed games

Neo-Grünfeld Defense

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.g3 d5

The Neo-Grünfeld Defense starts with 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.g3 d5 and is catalogued under ECO D70, in the closed games half of the book. The catalog indexes 16 lines inside it, grouped into 10 named variations, and the position after those moves has 1 playable continuation to walk from here.

Opening repertoire map

Root edges show how often each move is played around your Elo. Use the arrow on a position to reveal the next replies.

Current position
Neo-Grünfeld Defense: with g3
13 plies
with g3
Popularity by Elo
Share of Lichess blitz, rapid, and classical games that continued with each move.
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Current setup

Move ideas

  1. 1.d4

    Takes central space with a protected pawn and frees the queen’s bishop.

    Idea: Build a stable center that supports a broad positional setup.

  2. 1Nf6

    Develops a knight and prevents White from occupying e4 unchallenged.

    Idea: Keep the central pawns flexible and choose an Indian setup after White commits.

  3. 2.c4

    Advances the c-pawn to gain queenside space and control new squares.

    Idea: Create useful wing space while keeping the central structure flexible.

  4. 2g6

    Advances the g-pawn to gain kingside space and control new squares.

    Idea: Create useful wing space while keeping the central structure flexible.

  5. 3.g3

    Advances the g-pawn to gain kingside space and control new squares.

    Idea: Create useful wing space while keeping the central structure flexible.

  6. 3d5

    Advances to d5 to claim central space and control nearby key squares.

    Idea: Give the pieces room to develop behind a durable central foothold.

  7. 4.Bg2

    Develops the bishop to g2, bringing it into the game.

    Idea: Improve piece coordination and clear the back rank for castling and the rooks.

  8. 4Bg7

    Develops the bishop to g7, bringing it into the game.

    Idea: Improve piece coordination and clear the back rank for castling and the rooks.

  9. 5.cxd5

    Captures the pawn on d5 and changes the local pawn or piece balance.

    Idea: Open lines in the center and reshape the center for the next phase.

  10. 5Nxd5

    Captures the pawn on d5 and changes the local pawn or piece balance.

    Idea: Remove an active defender and improve the moving piece’s influence.

  11. 6.e4

    Advances to e4 to claim central space and control nearby key squares.

    Idea: Give the pieces room to develop behind a durable central foothold.

  12. 6Nb6

    Repositions the knight to b6, where it influences a new part of the board.

    Idea: Improve the piece’s activity and support the next stage of the plan.

Book continuations

Waiting for Lichess game popularity.

1 move

Named variations

Each line below is an indexed entry under Neo-Grünfeld Defense. Open one to load it on the board and keep exploring from that position.

ECO groups openings by the structures they lead to, so these families tend to share plans with the Neo-Grünfeld Defense.