ECO code: A13
English Opening: Anglo-Indian Defense, King's Knight Variation e6 3.b3 d5 4.Bb2
The sequence begins with 1. Nf3 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. b3 d5 4. Bb2, where White fianchettoes the light-squared bishop to exert long-range pressure on Black’s central and queenside squares. This setup is characteristic for White aiming to control the center indirectly rather than occupying it immediately with pawns.
Characteristic: The move 4.Bb2 is a flexible developing move that supports control over the central dark squares, especially the important e5 square, and prepares for potential central or queenside play. It also helps White maintain a solid but dynamic position, ready to respond to Black’s central thrusts.
Attacking or Defensive: For White, this is a balanced, somewhat positional approach that combines solid defense with latent attacking possibilities on the center and queenside. Black’s moves like ...d5 are more directly challenging the center, so Black is taking a more assertive stance, while White aims for subtle pressure and control.
Center Control: This opening does not involve White immediately occupying the center with pawns but instead attacks the center from a distance with pieces, particularly the bishop on b2 and knight on f3. Black, by playing ...d5 and ...e6, takes a more classical central presence.
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 a selection of puzzles from real positions in games that used the English Opening: Anglo-Indian Defense, King's Knight Variation e6 3.b3 d5 4.Bb2, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 4 - Move #9 black