ECO code: A10
English Opening: Anglo-Lithuanian Variation
Moves: 1. c4 Nc6
This variation arises after Black responds to White's English Opening with 1...Nc6. The characteristic feature of this move is Black's immediate development of the knight to c6, aiming to exert influence over the central squares d4 and e5. Unlike more common replies such as 1...e5 or 1...c5, 1...Nc6 is a flexible and somewhat less direct approach.
From White's perspective, this opening maintains a positional and strategic tone rather than an outright attack. White typically continues to control the center indirectly with c4 and plans to undermine Black's central presence later. Black's 1...Nc6 is also more about development and control rather than immediate aggression.
This opening does involve contesting the center, but rather than occupying it immediately with pawns, both sides focus on controlling key central squares with pieces. The Anglo-Lithuanian Variation reflects a nuanced battle for central influence rather than a direct central pawn confrontation.
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.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the English Opening: Anglo-Lithuanian Variation, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 8 - Move #8 white