ECO code: A16
Opening Name: English Opening: Anglo-Indian Variation, 2.Nc3 g6 3.g3
Moves: 1. c4 Nf6 2. Nc3 g6 3. g3 Bg7
Description: This variation of the English Opening features White developing the knight to c3 early, supporting control over the central d5 and e4 squares. Black responds with a fianchetto setup, preparing to place the bishop on g7. White’s 3.g3 aims to fianchetto the dark-squared bishop, solidifying control over the long diagonal and supporting central and queenside influence.
Characteristic: The key characteristic of this line is a hypermodern approach where both sides delay direct occupation of the center, opting instead to control it from a distance with pieces. White’s g3 and Bg2 set the stage for flexible play, allowing White to contest the center gradually and prepare for potential central breaks.
Attacking or Defensive: From White’s perspective, this setup is balanced but leans towards a positional and flexible strategy rather than direct attacking. White aims to build pressure and control before launching an attack. Black’s setup with ...g6 and ...Bg7 is also flexible and somewhat defensive, focusing on solidifying the kingside and contesting the center indirectly.
Center Control: This opening does not involve immediate occupation of the center by pawns but emphasizes controlling key central squares from the flanks, especially via pieces like the knights and fianchettoed bishops. Both sides aim to influence the center dynamically rather than occupying it outright early on.
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 10 - Move #8 white