Tarrasch Defense: Grünfeld Gambit (D32)

The Grünfeld Gambit is a variation of the Tarrasch Defense, catalogued as ECO D32. The line runs 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 c5 4. cxd5 exd5 5. Nf3 Nc6 6. dxc5 d4 7. Na4 b5, reaching the position shown below after 14 half-moves.

Black holds the centre with pawns on d4. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and White is up a pawn of material. It is White to move after seven moves. Black’s d-file pawn is isolated.

On the Tarrasch Defense generally: ECO D32. A chess opening with 26 known variations.

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Tarrasch Defense: Grünfeld Gambit — position after b5 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 c5 4. cxd5 exd5 5. Nf3 Nc6 6. dxc5 d4 7. Na4 b5

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4d5
2c4e6
3Nc3c5
4cxd5exd5
5Nf3Nc6
6dxc5d4
7Na4b5

ECO: D32

Stockfish: +1.12 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Tarrasch Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Grünfeld Gambit?

The Grünfeld Gambit goes 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 c5 4. cxd5 exd5 5. Nf3 Nc6 6. dxc5 d4 7. Na4 b5. It is a variation of the Tarrasch Defense and is catalogued as ECO D32.

What is the ECO code for the Grünfeld Gambit?

The Grünfeld Gambit is ECO D32. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Tarrasch Defense.

Is the Grünfeld Gambit good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 c5 4. cxd5 exd5 5. Nf3 Nc6 6. dxc5 d4 7. Na4 b5 at +1.12 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 Grünfeld Gambit lead to?

Black holds the centre with pawns on d4. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and White is up a pawn of material. It is White to move. Black’s d-file pawn is isolated.