Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Modern Exchange Variation, Kramnik's Line
Overview
Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Modern Exchange Variation, Kramnik's Line sits at the top of the Closed & Semi-Closed Games tree, indexed as ECO D85.
The Closed & Semi-Closed Games group covers closed and semi-closed games — 1.d4 systems characterised by long strategic manoeuvring rather than early tactics.
It begins with 15 plies and takes 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. c4 Bg7 4. Nc3 d5 5. cxd5 Nxd5 6. e4 Nxc3 7. bxc3 c5 8. h3 to reach the canonical position.
Explore the position on the interactive board, study its real-world results from Lichess, and challenge the engine when you are ready.
- ECO code
- D85
- Group
- Closed & Semi-Closed Games (D)
- Plies
- 15
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
39,241 games · White 46.3% / Draw 7.5% / Black 46.2%
| Moves | Games | W / D / B |
|---|---|---|
| O-O | 16,733 | |
| Nc6 | 16,546 | |
| Qa5 | 2,987 | |
| cxd4 | 2,772 | |
| Qb6 | 45 | |
| b6 | 39 | |
| Qc7 | 27 | |
| e6 | 23 |
Source: Lichess Opening Explorer · cached 2026-09-26 03:08:05
Write a description
Markdown supported (headings ###, bold, lists, links).
Submissions are reviewed before publishing.