ECO code: A15
English Opening: Anglo-Indian Variation, 2.g3 e6
The moves: 1. c4 Nf6 2. g3 e6 3. Bg2 form a flexible setup within the English Opening framework. White fianchettoes the dark-squared bishop to g2, aiming to control the long diagonal and exert pressure on the center from a distance.
Characteristic: This variation is known for its solid and hypermodern approach. Rather than immediately occupying the center with pawns, White focuses on controlling key central squares indirectly with the bishop on g2 and the c4 pawn. Black’s move ...e6 is a flexible choice, preparing to challenge the center with ...d5 or ...c5, and keeping options open for development.
Attacking or Defensive: As White, this opening is generally more positional and strategic than outright attacking. White prepares for central control and long-term pressure rather than direct confrontation early on. For Black, the setup is also solid and somewhat defensive initially, aiming to counterattack the center at the right moment.
Center Control: White does not immediately occupy the center with pawns but instead exerts indirect control over it, especially the d5 square. The plan is to challenge the center later with moves like d4 or to pressure Black’s central pawns from the flanks. Black will often try to contest the center with ...d5 or ...c5.
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.g3 e6, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 4 - Move #7 black