ECO code: A10
English Opening: 1...b6 2.Nf3 Bb7
This variation of the English Opening features Black's early fianchetto with 1...b6 and 2...Bb7. Black aims to control the central dark squares, especially the important e4 and d5 squares, from a distance using the long diagonal.
Characteristic: The hallmark of this setup is Black's fianchettoed bishop on b7, which exerts pressure on the central and queenside light squares while keeping a flexible pawn structure. Black often delays immediate central pawn advances and focuses on piece development and control of key diagonals.
Attacking or Defensive: From Black's perspective, this is a flexible and somewhat hypermodern approach that is more positional and less directly confrontational in the center early on. Black tends to adopt a reactive stance, allowing White to occupy the center initially. White, on the other hand, can choose to take a more classical attacking approach by seizing the center with pawns.
Center Control: This opening does not immediately attack the center with pawns but exerts influence over it from a distance, particularly targeting the central squares with the bishop on b7. It invites White to establish a classical pawn center, which Black intends to undermine 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.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the English: 1...b6 2.Nf3 Bb7, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 1 - Move #32 white