ECO code: A16
English Opening: Anglo-Indian Defense, Anglo-Grünfeld Variation
The Anglo-Indian Defense arises after 1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5, and the Anglo-Grünfeld Variation continues with 3.cxd5 Nxd5 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Nxc3. This line is a hybrid between the English Opening and Grünfeld Defense themes.
Characteristic of the move 5...Nxc3: Black exchanges the knight on d5 for White’s knight on c3 early, aiming to double White’s c-pawns if White recaptures with the b-pawn. This structural imbalance can give Black dynamic counterplay targeting White’s pawn weaknesses and central control.
Playing style: For Black, this variation is somewhat dynamic and counterattacking, seeking active piece play and pressure on White’s center and queenside pawn structure. For White, the approach is positional and flexible, focusing on controlling key squares and leveraging the bishop fianchetto on g2 to exert long-range pressure.
Center control: The opening involves a battle for the center, but rather than direct occupation, both sides aim for control and influence over central squares. Black challenges White's center early with ...d5 and piece exchanges, while White uses the c4 and g3 setup to maintain central tension and prepare for central breaks.
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, Anglo-Grünfeld Variation, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 2 - Move #8 white