Grünfeld Defense: Three Knights Variation, Vienna Variation

Before the first move

The Grünfeld Defense is a dynamic counter-attacking opening where Black allows White to build a large center only to strike back at it immediately. In the Vienna Variation, White plays solidly with e3 and Qb3, aiming to stabilize the center and pressure d5 while avoiding the sharper main lines.

1. d4White

White starts with d4, the most common alternative to e4. By occupying the center, White invites a variety of responses. While d5 is a direct answer, you will often see Nf6 leading into the complex world of Indian Defenses.

1... Nf6Black · your move

Develop your knight to f6. This flexible move prevents White from immediately playing e4 and keeps your options open. You are preparing to see how White commits their pawns before deciding on your own pawn structure.

Other paths here: Na6 (Australian Defense) · g5 (Borg Defense: Borg Gambit) · b6 (English Defense) · e5 (Englund Gambit)

2. c4White

White plays c4, signaling the start of a Queen's Gambit style setup. White wants to control d5 and gain space on the queenside. Alternatives like the London System with Bf4 or the Trompowsky with Bg5 lead to very different types of games.

Other paths here: f4 (Canard Opening) · g4 (Indian Defense: Gibbins-Weidenhagen Gambit) · e4 (Indian Defense: Omega Gambit) · d5 (Indian Defense: Pawn Push Variation)

2... g6Black · your move

Push your pawn to g6. You are preparing to fianchetto your bishop on g7, where it will exert powerful pressure along the long diagonal. This is a hallmark of the King's Indian and Grünfeld families.

Other paths here: g5 (Indian Defense: Medusa Gambit) · b5 (Indian Defense: Pyrenees Gambit) · a6 (Indian: 2.c4 a6) · Nc6 (Mexican Defense)

3. Nc3White

White plays Nc3, the most ambitious move, preparing to push e4. You now have a choice: you can play d6 to enter the King's Indian Defense, or you can strike the center immediately with d5 to enter the Grünfeld.

Other paths here: d5 (Indian Defense: Anti-Grünfeld, Advance Variation) · f3 (Indian Defense: Anti-Grünfeld, Alekhine Variation) · h4 (Indian Defense: Anti-Grünfeld, Basman-Williams Attack) · g3 (King's Indian Defense: Fianchetto Variation, Immediate Fianchetto)

3... d5Black · your move

Strike the center with d5. This defines the Grünfeld Defense. You are challenging White's d4-pawn immediately and inviting them to capture, which will open the long diagonal for your bishop on g7.

Other paths here: Bg7 (King's Indian: 3.Nc3 Bg7) · c5 (King's Indian: 3.Nc3 c5) · c6 (King's Indian: 3.Nc3 c6) · d6 (King's Indian: 3.Nc3 d6)

4. Nf3White

White plays Nf3, opting for the Three Knights Variation. This is a solid approach that avoids some of the sharper lines of the Exchange Variation. White could also try the Stockholm Variation with Bg5 or the solid 4.e3 to avoid the main lines.

Other paths here: e3 (Gruenfeld: 4.e3) · g3 (Gruenfeld: 4.g3) · g4 (Grünfeld Defense: Gibbon Gambit) · f3 (Grünfeld Defense: Lutikov Variation)

4... Bg7Black · your move

Fianchetto your bishop to g7. This is the soul of your position. From g7, your bishop puts immense pressure on d4 and the entire long diagonal, often becoming your most important piece in the middlegame.

Other paths here: c6 (Gruenfeld: Schlechter, 5.Qb3)

5. e3White

White plays e3, choosing a very solid and classical setup. By reinforcing d4, White blunts your bishop's pressure for a moment. Other aggressive tries include the Hungarian Attack with Bf4 or the Petrosian System with Bg5.

Other paths here: cxd5 (Gruenfeld: Three Knights Exchange) · g3 (Gruenfeld: Three Knights, 5.g3) · Qa4+ (Grünfeld Defense: Flohr Variation) · Bg5 (Grünfeld Defense: Three Knights Variation, Petrosian System)

5... O-OBlack · your move

Castle your king to safety. This is a vital step in your development. Your king is now tucked away, and your rook is ready to join the fight, perhaps coming to d8 or c8 to support your central counter-play.

Other paths here: c6 (Gruenfeld: Slav/Schlecter) · c5 (Gruenfeld Defense, Three Knights Variation)

6. Qb3White

White plays Qb3, the Vienna Variation. This move forces you to defend d5 or trade on c4. White could also have played Be2 or the Makogonov Variation with b4, but Qb3 is the most direct way to challenge your central setup.

Other paths here: Be2 (Gruenfeld: 5.e3 O-O 6.Be2) · cxd5 (Gruenfeld: 5.e3 O-O 6.cxd5) · b4 (Grünfeld Defense: Makogonov Variation) · Bd2 (Grünfeld Defense: Opocensky Variation)

Where you stand

The position is strategically rich. White has a solid center and pressure on d5, while Black has a safe king and a powerful bishop on g7. Black usually responds with e6 or c6 to bolster the center, or even c5 to blow things open. The battle will revolve around White trying to maintain the center while Black tries to chip away at it.

• f6-e4 Knight looks for central outposts
• c8-b7 Develop bishop to challenge the diagonal
• f1-e2 Complete development and prepare castling
• c4-d5 Clarify central tension with a trade
• c7-c5 Strike the center with a pawn break