ECO code: D94
Grünfeld Defense: Three Knights Variation, Burille Variation
The opening moves are: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. Nf3 Bg7 5. e3.
Characteristic: The Burille Variation is marked by White’s modest 5.e3, reinforcing the center and preparing to develop the dark-squared bishop without immediately committing to an aggressive pawn push like cxd5 or Qb3. This move supports a solid and flexible structure.
Strategic nature: For White, this variation is primarily defensive and positional, focusing on maintaining a strong central presence and harmonious piece development. Black, playing the Grünfeld, aims for dynamic counterplay by challenging White’s center, making it an attacking and counterattacking opening.
Center control: The Burille Variation emphasizes control and tension in the center. White supports the d4 pawn solidly, while Black contests the center actively with ...d5. This opening is fundamentally about the fight for central dominance.
This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Grünfeld Defense: Three Knights Variation, Burille Variation, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 9 - Move #8 white