ECO code: A21
English Opening: Kramnik-Shirov Variation, 3.g3
Moves: 1. c4 e5 2. Nc3 Bb4 3. g3
This line is a flexible and strategic approach within the English Opening. By playing 3.g3, White prepares to fianchetto the bishop to g2, aiming for strong long-range control over the central and queenside dark squares. This move supports a solid but dynamic setup, allowing White to challenge Black’s presence in the center indirectly rather than occupying it immediately.
Characteristic of the move: The fianchetto with g3 is characteristic of a hypermodern style, where White controls the center with pieces from a distance rather than occupying it right away with pawns. It also helps White maintain a flexible pawn structure and prepares for kingside safety through castling.
Attacking or defensive? For White, this move is generally considered more positional and strategic than outright attacking. It aims to control key squares and prepare for a gradual buildup rather than launching an immediate assault. For Black, facing this setup means balancing between counterattacking the center and developing smoothly; Black’s 2...Bb4 is an active move putting immediate pressure on White’s knight and influencing the center.
Does this opening attack the center? White does not directly occupy the center with pawns early on but exerts pressure on central squares from the flanks, especially through the bishop on g2 after fianchetto. This approach fits within the hypermodern theme of controlling the center indirectly. Black, meanwhile, contests the center more directly with e5 and Bb4.
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: Kramnik-Shirov, 3.g3, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 5 - Move #7 black