Queen's Pawn Game: Barry Attack, Grünfeld Variation (A48)

The Barry Attack, Grünfeld Variation is a variation of the Queen's Pawn Game, catalogued as ECO A48. The line runs 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. Bf4 Bg7 5. e3 O-O 6. Be2, reaching the position shown below after 11 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on d5). White is ahead in development, with four minor pieces out to Black's two. It is Black to move after six moves. Black has castled while White’s king is still uncommitted.

On the Queen's Pawn Game generally: General term for openings beginning with 1.d4. Leads to strategic, positional play.

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Queen's Pawn Game: Barry Attack, Grünfeld Variation — position after Be2 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. Bf4 Bg7 5. e3 O-O 6. Be2

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4Nf6
2Nf3g6
3Nc3d5
4Bf4Bg7
5e3O-O
6Be2

ECO: A48

Stockfish: +0.08 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Queen's Pawn Game lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Barry Attack, Grünfeld Variation?

The Barry Attack, Grünfeld Variation goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. Bf4 Bg7 5. e3 O-O 6. Be2. It is a variation of the Queen's Pawn Game and is catalogued as ECO A48.

What is the ECO code for the Barry Attack, Grünfeld Variation?

The Barry Attack, Grünfeld Variation is ECO A48. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Queen's Pawn Game.

Is the Barry Attack, Grünfeld Variation good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. Bf4 Bg7 5. e3 O-O 6. Be2 at +0.08 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 Barry Attack, Grünfeld Variation lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on d5). White is ahead in development, with four minor pieces out to Black's two. It is Black to move. Black has castled while White’s king is still uncommitted.