ECO code: A15
English Opening: Anglo-Indian Variation, 2.g3 g6 3.Bg2
This opening begins with 1.c4 Nf6 2.g3 g6 3.Bg2, where both sides fianchetto their kingside bishops. White’s move 2.g3 and 3.Bg2 is characteristic for aiming to control the long diagonal and prepare a flexible and solid setup. By developing the bishop to g2, White exerts pressure on the center and queenside while keeping options open for pawn breaks.
Characteristic: The fianchetto of White’s bishop is the defining feature, allowing strong influence on the central and long diagonal squares without immediate confrontation. This setup is flexible and can transpose into various English Opening structures or even King's Indian Defense type positions if Black plays ...d6 and ...e5.
Attacking or Defensive: As White, this setup is generally considered solid and positional rather than purely attacking. It aims to build pressure gradually rather than launching an immediate assault. Black’s symmetrical fianchetto (2...g6 3...Bg7) signals a similarly flexible and somewhat defensive stance, preparing to challenge the center later.
Center Control: This opening does not immediately occupy the center with pawns but exerts indirect pressure on it through the bishops and knights. White often challenges the center later with moves like d4 or d3, depending on Black’s setup, making it a strategic rather than direct central attack.
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 g6 3.Bg2, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 5 - Move #9 black