Tree path 3 levels Grünfeld Defense › Exchange Variation › Classical Variation
- Chess Codex
- Grünfeld Defense D80
- Exchange Variation D85
- Classical Variation D86 you are here
Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Classical Variation
Overview
Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Classical Variation is a specific line in the Closed & Semi-Closed Games family (ECO D86), arising from a recognised theoretical position.
The Closed & Semi-Closed Games group covers closed and semi-closed games — 1.d4 systems characterised by long strategic manoeuvring rather than early tactics.
Play reaches this position via 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. cxd5 Nxd5 5. e4 Nxc3 6. bxc3 Bg7 7. Bc4, after 13 plies of opening development.
The line refines Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, which traces back to the root opening Grünfeld Defense.
The line has 7 documented children — Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Larsen Variation, Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Seville Variation, Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Simagin's Improved Variation, and others being widely played.
In total, the branch covers 9 sub-variations across all depths.
Explore the position on the interactive board, study its real-world results from Lichess, and challenge the engine when you are ready.
- ECO code
- D86
- Group
- Closed & Semi-Closed Games (D)
- Plies
- 13
- Direct variations
- 7
- Total in subtree
- 9
This overview is generated automatically from the opening's metadata. Know this line well? Write a description — submissions are reviewed before publishing.
Statistics from Lichess
658,288 games · White 46.8% / Draw 7.2% / Black 46.0%
| Moves | Games | W / D / B |
|---|---|---|
| c5 | 429,740 | |
| O-O | 221,188 | |
| Nc6 | 1,703 | |
| e6 | 1,587 | |
| c6 | 1,183 | |
| e5 | 902 | |
| b6 | 647 | |
| Nd7 | 384 |
Source: Lichess Opening Explorer · cached 2026-09-26 02:52:42
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Variations (7)
- D86 Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Larsen Variation
- D87 Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Seville Variation
- D86 Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Simagin's Improved Variation
- D86 Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Simagin's Lesser Variation
- D87 Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Spassky Variation
- D88 Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Spassky Variation
- D89 Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Spassky Variation
Show all 9 sub-variations (full subtree)
- D86 Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Larsen Variation 16-ply
- D87 Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Seville Variation 23-ply
- D86 Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Simagin's Improved Variation 16-ply
- D86 Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Simagin's Lesser Variation 16-ply
- D87 Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Spassky Variation 16-ply
- D88 Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Spassky Variation 21-ply
- D89 Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Spassky Variation 26-ply
- D86 Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Larsen Variation 18-ply
- D89 Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Sokolsky Variation 27-ply