ECO code: A21
Opening Name: English: Kramnik-Shirov, 3.g3 Bxc3
Moves: 1. c4 e5 2. Nc3 Bb4 3. g3 Bxc3
Description: This line in the English Opening features an early bishop exchange by Black with 3...Bxc3. By capturing on c3, Black doubles White’s c-pawns but also concedes White the bishop pair and the potential for strong control over the dark squares and long diagonals. White’s third move, 3.g3, signals a fianchetto setup, aiming for solid control of the long diagonal and a flexible, hypermodern approach.
Characteristic of this move: Black’s 3...Bxc3 is a strategic decision to disrupt White’s pawn structure early, hoping to weaken White’s center and gain positional concessions. It also avoids the tension with the bishop on b4 and simplifies the position, often leading to less direct confrontation in the center.
Attacking or Defensive: As White, the setup with g3 and the bishop pair often leads to a flexible, dynamic stance with attacking chances on the long diagonals and central control. As Black, the early exchange on c3 is more positional and can be seen as a defensive measure to reduce White’s attacking potential and structural integrity.
Center Control: This opening approach is more hypermodern, so White does not immediately occupy the center with pawns but aims to influence it from a distance with pieces and fianchettoed bishop. Black’s early ...e5 does contest central squares, but the early bishop exchange shifts the battle to positional and structural considerations rather than direct central occupation.
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 Bxc3, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 4 - Move #7 black