Tree path 3 levels Grünfeld Defense › Three Knights Variation › Grünfeld Defense: Three Knights Variation

Chess Codex
Grünfeld Defense D80
Three Knights Variation D90
Grünfeld Defense: Three Knights Variation D90 you are here

D90

Grünfeld Defense: Three Knights Variation

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Overview

Grünfeld Defense: Three Knights Variation is a specific line in the Closed & Semi-Closed Games family (ECO D90), 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. Nf3 Bg7, after 8 plies of opening development.

The line refines Grünfeld Defense: Three Knights Variation, which traces back to the root opening Grünfeld Defense.

The line splits into 5 documented sub-systems: Grünfeld Defense: Flohr Variation, Grünfeld Defense: Russian Variation, Burille Variation, and others.

In total, the branch covers 21 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: D90
Group: Closed & Semi-Closed Games (D)
Plies: 8
Parent: Grünfeld Defense: Three Knights Variation
Direct variations: 5
Total in subtree: 21

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

2,752,627 games · White 47.0% / Draw 6.7% / Black 46.4%

Moves	Games	W / D / B
Bg5	679,670
cxd5	636,511
e3	481,459
Bf4	399,796
Qb3	195,625
g3	158,660
h4	48,360
h3	47,247

Source: Lichess Opening Explorer · cached 2026-09-26 01:56:28

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Variations (5)

Show all 21 sub-variations (full subtree)