ECO code: A15
English Opening: Anglo-Indian Defense, King's Knight Variation e6 3.g3 b6
Moves: 1. Nf3 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. g3 b6
This variation is a flexible and solid choice for Black, aiming to fianchetto the queen's bishop with ...Bb7. The move 3...b6 supports control over the central dark squares, especially the important e4 and d5 squares, and prepares for a harmonious development of Black's pieces.
For White, the early g3 signals a kingside fianchetto, focusing on long-term pressure along the long diagonal and control of the center from a distance rather than immediate occupation.
Characteristic: The move 3...b6 is characteristic of the Anglo-Indian Defense setups, emphasizing a hypermodern approach where Black allows White to occupy the center initially but aims to undermine and attack it later.
Playing Style: From Black's perspective, this setup is more defensive and positional, focusing on solid development and counterattacking chances rather than direct aggression. White's setup is more flexible and positional, aiming to control the center indirectly and build pressure over time.
Center Control: Neither side immediately occupies the center with pawns; instead, both sides use piece pressure and fianchettoed bishops to influence the central squares, characteristic of hypermodern openings.
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 b6, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 1 - Move #9 black