ECO code: A15
Opening Name: English Opening: Anglo-Indian Defense, 2.g3 g6
Moves: 1. c4 Nf6 2. g3 g6 3. Bg2 Bg7
Description: This line of the English Opening features a double fianchetto setup, where both White and Black develop their bishops to g2 and g7 respectively. White’s 2.g3 is characteristic of a hypermodern approach, focusing on controlling the center from a distance rather than occupying it immediately with pawns. Black mirrors this by fianchettoing their bishop with 2...g6, aiming for a solid and flexible setup.
Characteristic: The key characteristic of this opening is the emphasis on long diagonal control via the fianchettoed bishops. Both sides prepare for a positional battle, controlling central squares indirectly and maintaining flexibility in pawn structure and piece placement.
Playing Style: For White, this setup is generally more positional and can lead to attacking chances on the flanks or through central tension later in the game. For Black, it is mostly a solid and somewhat defensive stance, aiming to neutralize White’s early spatial advantage and counterattack when the opportunity arises.
Center Control: This opening does not involve immediate occupation of the center by pawns. Instead, both sides exert pressure on the central squares from a distance, delaying direct confrontation and focusing on piece development and control.
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 g6, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 5 - Move #9 black