ECO code: A12
Opening Name: English: Anglo-Indian, 2.g3 c6
Moves: 1. c4 Nf6 2. g3 c6
Description: This variation of the English Opening features White fianchettoing the king’s bishop with 2.g3, aiming for strong control over the long diagonal and flexible central influence. Black responds with 2...c6, a solid and flexible move often preparing ...d5 to challenge White’s control of the center. The move ...c6 supports a later ...d5 thrust and helps Black maintain a compact pawn structure.
Characteristics: The move 2...c6 is characteristic of the Anglo-Indian Defense setup, emphasizing solidity and preparing to contest the center in a controlled manner. Black aims for a resilient structure rather than immediate confrontation.
Attacking or Defensive: For White, this setup is generally more positional and flexible, allowing for both attacking and defensive plans depending on Black’s responses. Black’s 2...c6 is primarily a defensive and preparatory move, focusing on controlling central squares without overextending.
Center Control: While White does not immediately occupy the center with pawns, the fianchettoed bishop indirectly pressures central and queenside squares. Black’s ...c6 move prepares to challenge the center with ...d5, so the battle over central control is a key theme in this opening.
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: Anglo-Indian, 2.g3 c6, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 2 - Move #28 white