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.
English Opening: Anglo-Indian Defense, Hedgehog System
Moves: 1. c4 Nf6 2. Nc3 e6
This opening is characterized by Black's flexible setup, aiming to control the central squares indirectly rather than occupying them immediately. The move 2...e6 prepares to develop the dark-squared bishop and supports a solid, resilient position known as the Hedgehog System.
From White's perspective, the opening can be seen as slightly more aggressive, focusing on controlling the center with pieces and pawns like c4 and Nc3, while Black adopts a more defensive and counter-attacking stance. Black's setup is designed to be solid and reactive, often waiting for White to commit before striking back.
The opening does not involve an immediate direct attack on the center by Black, but rather a strategic, positional approach that exerts pressure and prepares for timely counterplay. White pressures the center more actively, but the central tension remains flexible for both sides.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the English Opening: Anglo-Indian Defense, Hedgehog System, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 35 - Move #5 black
You can also discover how top players used English Opening: Anglo-Indian Defense, Hedgehog System to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.