The Classical Variation is a variation of the Neo-Grünfeld Defense, catalogued as ECO D77. The line runs 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. g3 Bg7 4. Bg2 O-O 5. O-O d5 6. c4, reaching the position shown below after 11 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 two minor pieces each. It is Black to move after six moves. Both kings have castled kingside, so play tends to shift to the centre and the opposite flank.
On the Neo-Grünfeld Defense generally: ECO D70. A chess opening with 13 known variations.
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See all 13 Neo-Grünfeld Defense variations →
The Classical Variation goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. g3 Bg7 4. Bg2 O-O 5. O-O d5 6. c4. It is a variation of the Neo-Grünfeld Defense and is catalogued as ECO D77.
The Classical Variation is ECO D77. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Neo-Grünfeld Defense.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. g3 Bg7 4. Bg2 O-O 5. O-O d5 6. c4 at +0.24 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.
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 two minor pieces each. It is Black to move. Both kings have castled kingside, so play tends to shift to the centre and the opposite flank.