ECO code: A15
English Opening: Anglo-Indian Defense, King's Knight Variation e6 3.g3
This variation arises after the moves 1. Nf3 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. g3. White fianchettoes the kingside bishop, aiming to exert long-term pressure on the central and queenside squares, particularly the light squares. The move 3.g3 is characteristic for preparing a solid and flexible kingside setup, supporting control of the center indirectly rather than immediate occupation.
From White's perspective, this is a more positional and strategic approach rather than an outright attacking move. White focuses on controlling the center with pieces and pawns from a distance, rather than direct confrontation. Black's setup with ...e6 and ...Nf6 is solid and flexible, often leading to a balanced, somewhat defensive posture, waiting to counterattack based on White's setup.
The opening does not involve an immediate direct attack on the center by White but instead targets central control through piece placement and pressure, especially via the fianchettoed bishop. This indirect approach aims to undermine Black’s central presence and prepare for central or queenside operations in the middlegame.
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 Opening: Anglo-Indian Defense, King's Knight Variation e6 3.g3, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 4 - Move #9 black