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.
English Opening: Great Snake Variation
The Great Snake Variation arises after the moves 1. c4 g6. In this setup, White begins with the English Opening, aiming to control the center and flank with the c4 pawn. Black responds with 1...g6, preparing to fianchetto the dark-squared bishop to g7.
Characteristic: Black’s early g6 move signals a hypermodern approach, focusing on controlling the center from a distance rather than occupying it immediately. The name "Great Snake" reflects the flexible and somewhat winding nature of Black’s setup.
Attacking or Defensive: From White's perspective, the English Opening is generally a positional, strategic choice with potential for both attack and control. Black’s response with g6 is somewhat defensive, aiming to undermine White’s center later rather than challenge it directly right away.
Center Control: White aims to influence and control the center indirectly with the c4 pawn and potential d4 advances, while Black uses the fianchettoed bishop to exert pressure on the central dark squares. This variation is more about controlling the center from a distance than immediate occupation.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the English Opening: Great Snake Variation, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 29 - Move #3 black
You can also discover how top players used English Opening: Great Snake Variation to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.