English Opening: Anglo-Grünfeld Defense, Korchnoi Variation (A16)

The Anglo-Grünfeld Defense, Korchnoi Variation is a variation of the English Opening, catalogued as ECO A16. The line runs 1. c4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. cxd5 Nxd5 4. Nf3 g6 5. g3 Bg7 6. Bg2 e5, reaching the position shown below after 12 half-moves.

Black holds the centre with pawns on e5. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is White to move after six moves.

On the English Opening generally: A flexible opening where White controls the center with c4. Can transpose into many different systems.

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English Opening: Anglo-Grünfeld Defense, Korchnoi Variation — position after e5 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. c4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. cxd5 Nxd5 4. Nf3 g6 5. g3 Bg7 6. Bg2 e5

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1c4Nf6
2Nc3d5
3cxd5Nxd5
4Nf3g6
5g3Bg7
6Bg2e5

ECO: A16

Stockfish: +0.22 at depth 18

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Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Anglo-Grünfeld Defense, Korchnoi Variation?

The Anglo-Grünfeld Defense, Korchnoi Variation goes 1. c4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. cxd5 Nxd5 4. Nf3 g6 5. g3 Bg7 6. Bg2 e5. It is a variation of the English Opening and is catalogued as ECO A16.

What is the ECO code for the Anglo-Grünfeld Defense, Korchnoi Variation?

The Anglo-Grünfeld Defense, Korchnoi Variation is ECO A16. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the English Opening.

Is the Anglo-Grünfeld Defense, Korchnoi Variation good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. c4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. cxd5 Nxd5 4. Nf3 g6 5. g3 Bg7 6. Bg2 e5 at +0.22 at depth 18, which is balanced. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.

What kind of position does the Anglo-Grünfeld Defense, Korchnoi Variation lead to?

Black holds the centre with pawns on e5. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is White to move.