Tree path 6 levels Grünfeld Defense › Three Knights Variation › Grünfeld Defense: Three Knights Variation › Grünfeld Defense: Russian Variation › Grünfeld Defense: Russian Variation › Byrne Variation
Grünfeld Defense: Russian Variation, Byrne Variation
Overview
Grünfeld Defense: Russian Variation, Byrne Variation is a specific line in the Closed & Semi-Closed Games family (ECO D97), 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.
The line arises from 14 plies — specifically the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. Nf3 Bg7 5. Qb3 dxc4 6. Qxc4 O-O 7. e4 Nc6.
The line refines Grünfeld Defense: Russian Variation, which traces back to the root opening Grünfeld Defense.
Explore the position on the interactive board, study its real-world results from Lichess, and challenge the engine when you are ready.
- ECO code
- D97
- Group
- Closed & Semi-Closed Games (D)
- Plies
- 14
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
22,047 games · White 44.7% / Draw 7.4% / Black 47.9%
| Moves | Games | W / D / B |
|---|---|---|
| Be2 | 11,154 | |
| Be3 | 3,192 | |
| e5 | 2,698 | |
| d5 | 2,468 | |
| h3 | 1,430 | |
| Bf4 | 713 | |
| Bg5 | 214 | |
| Bd3 | 44 |
Source: Lichess Opening Explorer · cached 2026-09-26 03:00:59
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