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: King's, 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 Bc5
This line arises after the moves 1.c4 e5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 Bc5. White adopts a fianchetto setup with 2.g3 and 3.Bg2, aiming for strong control over the long diagonal and flexible development. Black responds actively with ...Nf6 and ...Bc5, placing pressure on White’s central and queenside squares.
Characteristic: The early ...Bc5 by Black is a direct and classical development, targeting White’s central squares and preparing quick piece activity. White’s fianchettoed bishop supports control over the center from a distance rather than immediate occupation.
Attacking or Defensive: From White’s perspective, this setup is more positional and flexible, focusing on controlling key squares and preparing a solid center rather than launching an immediate attack. Black’s moves are somewhat more active and slightly aggressive, applying pressure on White’s center and development.
Center Control: White does not immediately occupy the center with pawns but instead exerts pressure on it from the wings, especially the light-squared diagonal. Black challenges the center more directly with ...e5 and piece placement.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the English: King's, 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 Bc5, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 4 - Move #6 white
You can also discover how top players used English: King's, 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 Bc5 to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.