ECO code: A00
Anderssen's Opening, e5 Variation arises after the moves 1. a3 e5 2. g3 d5 3. Bg2 Nf6 4. d3 Nc6. This line is a flexible and somewhat unorthodox approach for White, characterized by the early 1. a3 and fianchettoing the kingside bishop with 2. g3 and 3. Bg2.
Characteristic: The initial 1. a3 is a waiting move aiming to prevent Black's ...Bb4 and prepare for flexible development. White's setup with g3 and Bg2 signals a hypermodern approach, controlling the center from a distance rather than occupying it immediately.
Attacking or Defensive: White adopts a more positional and somewhat defensive stance, focusing on solid development and control of key squares. Black challenges the center actively with ...e5 and ...d5, taking an assertive, attacking approach to gain central space.
Center Control: Black directly contests and occupies the center early with pawns on e5 and d5, while White delays central pawn advances, instead opting to influence the center with pieces from the flanks. This opening embodies a hypermodern strategy where White aims to undermine and counterattack Black's central presence later.
This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.