Zukertort Opening: Reversed Grünfeld (A08)

The Reversed Grünfeld is a variation of the Zukertort Opening, catalogued as ECO A08. The line runs 1. Nf3 d5 2. g3 c5 3. Bg2 Nc6 4. d4 Nf6 5. O-O, reaching the position shown below after 9 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 five moves. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted.

On the Zukertort Opening generally: A flexible system starting with Nf3. Can transpose into many different openings.

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.

Zukertort Opening: Reversed Grünfeld — position after O-O a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. Nf3 d5 2. g3 c5 3. Bg2 Nc6 4. d4 Nf6 5. O-O

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1Nf3d5
2g3c5
3Bg2Nc6
4d4Nf6
5O-O

ECO: A08

Stockfish: +0.44 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Zukertort Opening lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Reversed Grünfeld?

The Reversed Grünfeld goes 1. Nf3 d5 2. g3 c5 3. Bg2 Nc6 4. d4 Nf6 5. O-O. It is a variation of the Zukertort Opening and is catalogued as ECO A08.

What is the ECO code for the Reversed Grünfeld?

The Reversed Grünfeld is ECO A08. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Zukertort Opening.

Is the Reversed Grünfeld good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. Nf3 d5 2. g3 c5 3. Bg2 Nc6 4. d4 Nf6 5. O-O at +0.44 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for White, within normal opening margins. 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 Reversed Grünfeld 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 Black to move. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted.