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.
Opening Name: English Opening: 1...g6 2.Nc3 Bg7
Moves: 1. c4 g6 2. Nc3 Bg7
Description: This setup is a flexible and hypermodern approach by Black within the English Opening framework. By fianchettoing the dark-squared bishop to g7, Black exerts long-range pressure on the center, especially the d4 and e5 squares, without immediately occupying the center with pawns. White’s move Nc3 supports central and queenside control, preparing to challenge Black’s setup.
Characteristic: The hallmark of this line is Black’s fianchetto bishop on g7, which influences the long diagonal and supports a counterattack strategy rather than direct early confrontation. It is a typical hypermodern approach where Black invites White to build a classical pawn center, planning to undermine it later.
Attacking or Defensive: From White’s perspective, this opening can be seen as slightly more aggressive, as White often tries to establish central pawns and spatial advantage. Black’s setup is more reactive and positional, focusing on counterplay and flexibility rather than immediate attack.
Center Control: Black does not occupy the center immediately but aims to influence it from a distance with the bishop on g7 and timely pawn breaks. White attempts to control or challenge the center more directly, so this opening involves a dynamic battle over central control rather than outright central occupation from the start.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the English: 1...g6 2.Nc3 Bg7, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 10 - Move #7 white
You can also discover how top players used English: 1...g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.