Neo-Grünfeld Defense: Classical Variation, Polgar Variation (D77)

The Classical Variation, Polgar 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 Nc6, reaching the position shown below after 12 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 White 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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Neo-Grünfeld Defense: Classical Variation, Polgar Variation — position after Nc6 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. g3 Bg7 4. Bg2 O-O 5. O-O d5 6. c4 Nc6

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4Nf6
2Nf3g6
3g3Bg7
4Bg2O-O
5O-Od5
6c4Nc6

ECO: D77

Stockfish: +0.69 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Neo-Grünfeld Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Classical Variation, Polgar Variation?

The Classical Variation, Polgar Variation goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. g3 Bg7 4. Bg2 O-O 5. O-O d5 6. c4 Nc6. It is a variation of the Neo-Grünfeld Defense and is catalogued as ECO D77.

What is the ECO code for the Classical Variation, Polgar Variation?

The Classical Variation, Polgar Variation is ECO D77. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Neo-Grünfeld Defense.

Is the Classical Variation, Polgar Variation good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. g3 Bg7 4. Bg2 O-O 5. O-O d5 6. c4 Nc6 at +0.69 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 Classical Variation, Polgar Variation 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 two 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.