Chessy
Indian Defense: Anti-Grünfeld, Alekhine Variation
After 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.f3, White chooses an ambitious setup that supports the centre and keeps the game flexible. This is not a wild gambit, but it does signal that you want space and a strong pawn presence. The position is balanced, so your task is to understand the plans rather than hunt for a forced win. In the drill below, you will face Black’s best practical reactions and learn how to handle the resulting middlegame calmly.
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The move 3.f3 is a direct statement: White wants to build a broad centre and make Black work for counterplay. That makes this an opening for players who are happy to play a slow, strategic game instead of rushing piece tactics. Because the position is balanced, good development and sensible pawn structure matter more than memorising long forcing lines. If you like space and clear plans, this is a natural choice as White.
The key answer to know
At the board, the engine’s best move here is c5, and that is the first reply to be ready for in the drill. It keeps the game active and immediately tests White’s central ambitions. Black’s idea is simple: challenge the centre before White gets too comfortable. Your job is to stay coordinated, keep your structure sound, and avoid drifting into a passive position.
What the numbers say
Stockfish rates this +0.24, a small edge for White. That means you are only slightly better here, so you should treat the position as essentially equal. The game count supports that: across 59,434 games, White wins 48.8%, draws 3.6%, and Black wins 47.6%. In other words, this line is playable for both sides, and small mistakes will decide the result more often than opening theory will.
The most common replies you will meet
The most-played continuation is Bg7 with 47,472 games, and White scores 49.2% there. Other common replies are d5 with 6,932 games, d6 with 3,367 games, c5 with 667 games, e6 with 367 games, and c6 with 330 games. That means you should expect a variety of setups, but not panic: the opening often stays in a flexible, strategic framework. Focus on development, central control, and king safety while the position clarifies.
Results across 59,434 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| Bg7 | 47,472 | 49.2% |
| d5 | 6,932 | 46.0% |
| d6 | 3,367 | 49.2% |
| c5 | 667 | 45.3% |
| e6 | 367 | 53.4% |
| c6 | 330 | 51.2% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Indian Defense: Anti-Grünfeld, Alekhine Variation good for White?
Yes, it is a perfectly playable choice for White. Stockfish gives +0.24, which is a small edge for White, and the game statistics show a very balanced result overall.
What is the main move to learn against this opening?
The engine’s best move here is **c5**. In the drill, that is the reply you should expect to face and understand first.
What kind of position does 3.f3 aim for?
White uses 3.f3 to support the centre and claim space. The result is usually a strategic opening where development and pawn structure matter more than memorising sharp tactics.
What should I expect after the main replies?
The most common continuation is **Bg7**, and other regular moves include **d5**, **d6**, **c5**, **e6**, and **c6**. The opening stays flexible, so you should concentrate on solid development and central control.
How many games feature the Indian Defense: Anti-Grünfeld, Alekhine Variation?
Over 59K Lichess games have reached the Indian Defense: Anti-Grünfeld, Alekhine Variation position. White wins 48.8%, Black wins 47.6%, with 3.6% draws — based on real rated games.