ECO code: A16
English Opening: Anglo-Indian Variation, 2.Nc3 g6 3.g3
This line arises after the moves 1. c4 Nf6 2. Nc3 g6 3. g3 Bg7 4. Bg2. White adopts a flexible setup, fianchettoing the king's bishop to g2, which supports control over the long diagonal and exerts pressure on the center from a distance.
Characteristic: The key feature of this variation is White’s emphasis on controlling the center indirectly through piece pressure rather than immediate pawn advances. The move 3.g3 signals White’s intention to fianchetto the bishop, preparing for a solid and hypermodern approach.
Attacking or Defensive: For White, this setup is more positional and flexible than outright attacking. It aims to build a strong, resilient position with potential for central and queenside expansion. Black’s kingside fianchetto with ...g6 and ...Bg7 similarly prepares a solid, hypermodern defense, often counterattacking the center later.
Center Control: This opening does not attack the center directly with pawns early on. Instead, both sides focus on controlling the central squares from a distance using knights and bishops, adhering to hypermodern principles.
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 14 - Move #8 white