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.
Opening Name: English Opening: Kramnik-Shirov Variation, 3.Nd5 Be7
Moves: 1. c4 e5 2. Nc3 Bb4 3. Nd5 Be7
FEN: rnbqk1nr/ppppbppp/8/3Np3/2P5/8/PP1PPPPP/R1BQKBNR w KQkq - 4 4
Description: In this variation of the English Opening, White's 3.Nd5 is a provocative knight move that immediately challenges Black's control over the center and the key dark squares. By placing the knight on d5, White aims to exert pressure on Black's queenside and central squares, often provoking Black to make concessions in development or pawn structure.
Black responds with 3...Be7, a flexible and somewhat restrained move that prepares to castle kingside and keeps options open without committing to exchanges or early pawn tension. This move supports Black's defensive posture and avoids immediate complications, aiming for solid development.
Characteristic of the move: White's 3.Nd5 is characteristic of aggressive piece play aimed at gaining space and influencing central and queenside squares early. Black's 3...Be7 is a calm, flexible developing move that prioritizes safety and solid setup over immediate counterattack.
Attacking or Defensive: From White's perspective, the position is semi-attacking as White pressures key squares and seeks active piece placement. Black, on the other hand, adopts a more defensive and solid stance, focusing on sound development and avoiding early tactical skirmishes.
Center Control: This opening variation involves indirect contesting of the center. White challenges central influence by placing the knight on d5, a central outpost, while Black maintains a flexible pawn structure without immediate central pawn pushes. Thus, the battle for the center is nuanced, with White aiming to control key squares rather than occupying the center with pawns outright.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the English: Kramnik-Shirov, 3.Nd5 Be7, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 1 - Move #10 white
You can also discover how top players used English: Kramnik-Shirov, 3.Nd5 Be7 to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.