ECO code: A15
English Opening: Anglo-Indian Defense, King's Knight Variation e6 3.g3 b6 4.Bg2
Moves: 1. Nf3 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. g3 b6 4. Bg2
This variation of the English Opening features a flexible and solid setup from both sides. White fianchettoes the king’s bishop with 3.g3 and 4.Bg2, aiming for strong control over the long diagonal and preparing to exert pressure on the center from a distance. Black responds with 3...b6, planning to fianchetto their own bishop on b7, which supports central and queenside control.
Characteristic: The defining feature of this line is the double fianchetto setup potential, where both sides develop their bishops to long diagonals. This setup is hypermodern in nature, meaning both sides allow the opponent to occupy the center initially but plan to challenge and undermine it later with piece pressure and pawn breaks.
Attacking or Defensive: For White, this setup is primarily positional and flexible—White does not rush to occupy the center with pawns but aims to control it indirectly and prepare for central breaks. It can lead to attacking chances based on pressure along the long diagonals and timely pawn advances. For Black, the move 3...b6 is also solid and somewhat defensive, aiming to contest central and queenside squares without immediate confrontation.
Center Control: This opening does not involve an immediate direct attack on the center with pawns but focuses on controlling key central squares from a distance. Both sides rely on piece pressure and strategic pawn breaks rather than early central pawn thrusts.
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 4.Bg2, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 1 - Move #9 black