ECO code: A15
Opening Name: English Opening: Anglo-Indian Variation, 2.Nf3 g6
Moves: 1. c4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. g3 Bg7 4. Bg2 O-O
Description: This line of the English Opening leads into a hypermodern Anglo-Indian setup, where Black fianchettoes the dark-squared bishop early with ...g6 and ...Bg7. White also adopts a fianchetto with 3.g3 and 4.Bg2, preparing to exert long-range pressure on the center and queenside. Both sides delay direct occupation of the center with pawns, instead focusing on piece development and control over key squares.
Characteristic: The defining feature of this variation is Black’s flexible kingside fianchetto combined with early development of the knight to f6, aiming to control central squares indirectly. White’s setup with Nf3 and g3 complements this by strengthening control over the dark squares and preparing for a solid but dynamic middlegame.
Attacking or Defensive: From White’s perspective, the setup is balanced—neither purely attacking nor passive. White maintains the option to challenge the center later while keeping a solid, flexible position. Black’s fianchetto is generally considered more defensive and hypermodern, focusing on controlling the center from a distance rather than immediate confrontation.
Center Control: Neither side occupies the center with pawns early on; instead, both rely on piece control and pressure. This opening exemplifies hypermodern principles, where control of the center is exerted through pieces rather than direct pawn presence.
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.Nf3 g6, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 4 - Move #9 black