Grünfeld Defence: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... 6.Qb3

-54%
D951.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.e3 0-0 6.Qb3
Feb 20, 2026
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TL;DR

White plays Qb3, putting early pressure on the d5 pawn and the b7 square. Black must find active counterplay quickly to prevent White from consolidating the queenside advantage.

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Grünfeld Defence: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... 6.Qb3: A Complete Guide
Grünfeld Defence: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... 6.Qb3 - Opening Moves
Summary

The King's Indian Defence: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... 6.Qb3 arises after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.e3 0-0 6.Qb3 and falls under ECO code D95. With 60,201 Lichess games across all rating levels, it is a specialized opening choice.

History and Notable Players

It arises from the King's Indian Defence: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... 5.e3. Among the most prolific practitioners on the White side are Azer Mirzoev (9 games), Dragoljub Jacimovic (9 games), Arthur Bernard Bisguier (7 games). On the Black side, notable exponents include Anthony Edward Santasiere (5 games), Jaroslav Sajtar (4 games), Rudolf Spielmann (4 games).

Statistics

Based on 60,070 Lichess games across all rating levels:

  • White wins: 50.4%
  • Black wins: 43.5%
  • Draws: 6.1%

The statistics show a roughly balanced opening where both sides have equal chances.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Allowing White to build an overwhelming center: Hypermodern openings allow White space in the center, but you need to strike back at the right moment. Delaying the counterattack too long can leave you without active play.

Practice on Chessiverse

The best way to learn the King's Indian Defence: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... 6.Qb3 is through practice. On Chessiverse, you can play chess against computer opponents from any opening or custom position. Our AI bots range from beginner to grandmaster level, each with unique playing styles — from aggressive attackers to solid defenders. Choose a bot that matches your rating and work your way up as you master the opening's key ideas.

Quick Facts

Main Line1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.e3 0-0 6.Qb3
FENrnbq1rk1/ppp1ppbp/5np1/3p4/2PP4/1QN1PN2/PP3PPP/R1B1KB1R b KQ - 2 6
DifficultyAdvanced
Style

Hypermodern openings let the opponent occupy the center with pawns, then attack it from the flanks with pieces and fianchettoed bishops. Control is exerted from a distance rather than by direct occupation.

60,201games on Lichess
50.4%
6.1%
43.5%
White wins Draws Black wins

Data from Lichess opening explorer (blitz & rapid)

Most Popular At2500
SharpnessBalanced

Popularity by Rating

Percentage of all games at each rating bracket that feature this opening.

Data from Lichess opening explorer (blitz & rapid games)

Theory Adherence by Rating

How often players choose the single most popular move at this position. Higher = more predictable play.

Black to move after the opening line

Popularity Over Time

Share of all Lichess blitz + rapid games featuring this opening, by year.

Top Moves by Rating

Black to move after the opening line

RatingMost Popular2nd3rd
400c625%Be619.2%dxc417.3%
1000c626.2%dxc418.4%e615.2%
1200c628.6%dxc424.3%e611.9%
1400c629.5%dxc428.2%e612.4%
1600dxc434.8%c634%e610%
1800dxc444.1%c634.4%e67.6%
2000dxc452.6%c629.8%c57.5%
2200dxc454%c624.4%e613.1%
2500dxc439.5%e632.8%c620.3%

Popularity by Time Control

Bullet
<0.01%20K
Blitz
<0.01%52K
Rapid
<0.01%8K
3% more decisive in bullet
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the King's Indian Defence: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... 6.Qb3?

The King's Indian Defence: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... 6.Qb3 begins with 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.e3 0-0 6.Qb3 and is classified under ECO code D95.

Is the King's Indian Defence: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... 6.Qb3 good for beginners?

The King's Indian Defence: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... 6.Qb3 can be played at any level. Beginners should focus on understanding the key strategic ideas rather than memorizing long theoretical lines. Our AI bots at various rating levels provide a great way to practice the opening concepts.

What are the win rates for the King's Indian Defence: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... 6.Qb3?

Across 60,201 Lichess games, White wins 50.4% of the time, Black wins 43.5%, and 6.1% are drawn. Notable master practitioners on the White side include Azer Mirzoev and Dragoljub Jacimovic. On the Black side, Anthony Edward Santasiere and Jaroslav Sajtar are among the most frequent practitioners.

How can I practice the King's Indian Defence: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... 6.Qb3?

On Chessiverse, you can practice the King's Indian Defence: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... 6.Qb3 by playing against our 600+ AI bots. Each bot has a unique playing style and opening repertoire, so you can find the perfect sparring partner for any level.

Written by

Chessiverse
Chessiverse TeamOpening Guides

Expert chess content backed by opening theory and our database of 600+ AI bots with unique playing styles and opening repertoires.

Practice This Opening on Chessiverse

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