Grünfeld Defense: Flohr Defense (D94)

The Flohr Defense is a variation of the Grünfeld Defense, catalogued as ECO D94. The line runs 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. e3 g6 5. Nf3 Bg7 6. Bd3 O-O 7. O-O Bf5, reaching the position shown below after 14 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on d5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is White to move after seven moves. Both kings have castled kingside, so play tends to shift to the centre and the opposite flank.

On the Grünfeld Defense generally: A hypermodern defense where Black allows White a big center then undermines it with ...d5.

You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.

Grünfeld Defense: Flohr Defense — position after Bf5 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. e3 g6 5. Nf3 Bg7 6. Bd3 O-O 7. O-O Bf5

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4d5
2c4c6
3Nc3Nf6
4e3g6
5Nf3Bg7
6Bd3O-O
7O-OBf5

ECO: D94

Stockfish: +0.72 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Grünfeld Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Flohr Defense?

The Flohr Defense goes 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. e3 g6 5. Nf3 Bg7 6. Bd3 O-O 7. O-O Bf5. It is a variation of the Grünfeld Defense and is catalogued as ECO D94.

What is the ECO code for the Flohr Defense?

The Flohr Defense is ECO D94. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Grünfeld Defense.

Is the Flohr Defense good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. e3 g6 5. Nf3 Bg7 6. Bd3 O-O 7. O-O Bf5 at +0.72 at depth 18, which is a small but real edge for White. 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 Flohr Defense lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on d5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is White to move. Both kings have castled kingside, so play tends to shift to the centre and the opposite flank.