Grünfeld Defense
Black immediately challenges White's center with the d-pawn. White may build a large center after exchanges, while Black attacks it using the bishop and c-pawn rather than matching its size.
Your plan as White
Build and defend the central pawn mass while developing active pieces.
The opponent’s plan
Attack the large center with ...c5 and the g7 bishop instead of trying to occupy every central square.
Watch out: The impressive pawn center needs support; counting space alone can miss pressure on d4.
Opening game…
Practice this line as White.
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Name, background and sources
Ernst Grünfeld began using the defense in 1922, including a win against Alekhine in Vienna. Its name recognizes his contribution to opening theory.
Read the opening background on Chess.com ↗Lichess opening names and reference lines (CC0)
ChessSum provides original explanatory notes. Related lines are labeled separately. Reference lines illustrate ideas; they are not a claim that every other legal move is wrong.
Watch how the center and piece development change. Each arrow previews the next move.