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

The Anglo-Indian Defense, Anglo-Grünfeld 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. g3 g6 5. Bg2 Nxc3, reaching the position shown below after 10 half-moves.

The four central squares are empty of pawns, so the fight for them is being conducted by pieces. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and Black is up three points of material. It is White to move after five 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-Indian Defense, Anglo-Grünfeld Variation — position after Nxc3 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. c4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. cxd5 Nxd5 4. g3 g6 5. Bg2 Nxc3

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1c4Nf6
2Nc3d5
3cxd5Nxd5
4g3g6
5Bg2Nxc3

ECO: A16

Stockfish: +0.43 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related English Opening lines

Frequently asked questions

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

The Anglo-Indian Defense, Anglo-Grünfeld Variation goes 1. c4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. cxd5 Nxd5 4. g3 g6 5. Bg2 Nxc3. It is a variation of the English Opening and is catalogued as ECO A16.

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

The Anglo-Indian Defense, Anglo-Grünfeld 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-Indian Defense, Anglo-Grünfeld Variation good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. c4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. cxd5 Nxd5 4. g3 g6 5. Bg2 Nxc3 at +0.43 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for White, within normal opening margins. 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-Indian Defense, Anglo-Grünfeld Variation lead to?

The four central squares are empty of pawns, so the fight for them is being conducted by pieces. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and Black is up three points of material. It is White to move.