FENrnbqkb1r/ppp1pp1p/5np1/3p2B1/2PP4/2N5/PP2PPPP/R2QKBNR b KQkq -
Grünfeld Defense: Stockholm Variation: what should Black play?
Best move
Bg7+0.07
By playing Bg7, you complete the fianchetto of your g7, securing the long diagonal and preparing for kingside safety. It forces White to decide whether to trade their active g5 or…
- Games played
- 927K
- To move
- Black
- Evaluation
- +0.07
- Depth
- 25
Game counts: Lichess opening book. Move ranking and evaluation: Stockfish. How this page is built
Why Bg7 is the best move
Bg7! — Excellent Choice!
✅ One of 3 top moves — you found a winning strategy!
Why this move is excellent:
By playing Bg7, you complete the fianchetto of your g7, securing the long diagonal and preparing for kingside safety. It forces White to decide whether to trade their active g5 or allow you to maintain a rock-solid defensive structure.
Multiple Valid Strategies
| Move | Eval | Style / Strategic Idea |
|---|---|---|
| Bg7 | +0.07 | Positional: Completes development and solidifies the kingside. |
| c5 | +0.14 | Counter-attacking: Immediately challenges the center and the d4. |
| Ne4 | +0.15 | Aggressive: Uses the central outpost to harass the g5 and c3. |
Different paths, same destination: You chose the most natural and popular path, favored by 76% of players. While c5 leads to a more explosive, open game and Ne4 creates immediate tactical tension, your choice of Bg7 is the most flexible, keeping the position balanced and your options open.
Your Continuation
After Bg7:
Bxf6 Bxf6 cxd5 c5 dxc5
What Made This Move Good
You correctly saw: That the pressure on d5 wasn't a threat yet. Instead of reacting defensively with c6, you prioritized the development of your dark-squared bishop, ensuring that if White trades on f6, your f6 becomes a powerhouse on the long diagonal.
📚 Takeaway: In positions with multiple good moves, trust your style—whether you prefer the solid development of Bg7 or the sharp counter-play of c5, both are objectively excellent!
What else gets played here
Move choices from 927K games in the opening book, with the engine's evaluation of each.
| Move | Evaluation | Played | Games | White score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bg7Engine pick | +0.07 | 395K | 51% | |
| Ne4 | +0.15 | 323K | 45% | |
| c6 | +0.40 | 103K | 52% | |
| dxc4 | +0.59 | 101K | 54% | |
| c5 | +0.14 | 3.5K | 49% |
More positions in the Grünfeld Defense
All Grünfeld Defense positions →Frequently asked questions
What is the best move for Black in the Grünfeld Defense: Stockholm Variation?
Bg7 (+0.07). By playing Bg7, you complete the fianchetto of your g7, securing the long diagonal and preparing for kingside safety. It forces White to decide whether to trade their active g5 or…
Why is Bg7 the best move here?
By playing Bg7, you complete the fianchetto of your g7, securing the long diagonal and preparing for kingside safety. It forces White to decide whether to trade their active g5 or allow you to maintain a rock-solid defensive structure.
How often does this position occur?
This position has been reached 927K times in the opening book.