ECO code: A15
English Opening: Anglo-Indian Defense, Anti-Anti-Grünfeld
Moves: 1. Nf3 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4
This line arises from the English Opening where White adopts a flexible setup with 1.Nf3 and 2.c4, and Black responds in an Anglo-Indian style with ...Nf6 and ...g6 aiming for a King's Indian or Grünfeld type structure. The move 4.e4 by White is the key characteristic of this variation, often referred to as the "Anti-Anti-Grünfeld," because it directly challenges Black's typical Grünfeld setup by establishing a strong pawn presence in the center.
Characteristic: The move 4.e4 signals White’s intention to take immediate control of the center, preventing Black from comfortably deploying the Grünfeld Defense's typical counterattacking strategies. It transforms the English Opening into a more direct, classical pawn center battle.
Attacking or Defensive: For White, this move is clearly attacking, aiming to seize central space and restrict Black’s counterplay. Black’s setup remains flexible, typically balanced between solid defense and counterattack, but must be prepared to challenge White’s central control.
Center Control: Yes, this opening variation is focused on attacking the center. White stakes a strong claim with the e4 and c4 pawns, seeking to limit Black's influence and prepare for active piece play.
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, Anti-Anti-Grünfeld, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 2 - Move #8 white