ECO code: A15
English Opening: Anglo-Indian Variation (2.Nf3 g6 3.g3 Bg7)
This opening begins with 1.c4 Nf6 2.Nf3 g6 3.g3 Bg7, where White fianchettoes the kingside bishop aiming for strong control over the long diagonal. Black mirrors this setup with a kingside fianchetto, preparing to challenge White's influence on the center and the light squares.
Characteristic: The Anglo-Indian setup is known for its hypermodern approach. Instead of occupying the center immediately with pawns, both sides focus on controlling the center from a distance using their fianchettoed bishops and knights. This often leads to flexible pawn structures and rich positional maneuvering.
Attacking or Defensive: From White’s perspective, this line is typically more positional and flexible rather than aggressively attacking early on. White aims to build a solid, harmonious setup and only initiates central or flank attacks when properly prepared. Black’s setup is similarly resilient and can be both defensive and counterattacking, depending on how the center and pawn breaks unfold.
Center Control: This opening does not involve an immediate direct pawn occupation of the center by White. Instead, White exerts pressure on the central squares indirectly with pieces and prepares to challenge the center later. Black also contests the center mainly through piece pressure and timely pawn breaks rather than early central pawn pushes.
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.Nf3 g6 3.g3 Bg7, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 5 - Move #8 white