ECO code: A16
English Opening: Anglo-Indian Variation, 2.Nc3 g6 3.g3
This line begins with 1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 g6 3.g3, where White aims to fianchetto the bishop on g2, reinforcing control over the long diagonal and supporting central squares from a distance. Black's setup with ...g6 and ...Nf6 signals a flexible kingside fianchetto, often leading to a solid but dynamic position.
Characteristic: The key characteristic of this variation is White's focus on a hypermodern approach—controlling the center with pieces rather than occupying it immediately with pawns. The move 3.g3 prepares to fianchetto the bishop, which exerts pressure on the central and queenside dark squares.
Attacking or Defensive: From White's perspective, this setup is more positional and flexible rather than outright attacking. It aims for long-term pressure and control rather than immediate confrontation. Black’s setup is solid and somewhat defensive, preparing to challenge White's central influence later.
Center Control: This opening does not involve an immediate pawn push to the center by White. Instead, White controls the center indirectly through piece placement, particularly by the fianchettoed bishop on g2. Black also adopts a hypermodern stance, waiting to counter-attack the center.
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.Nc3 g6 3.g3, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 12 - Move #8 white