ECO code: A22
Opening Name: English Opening: Bremen Variation, 3...Bc5
Moves: 1. c4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. g3 Bc5
Description: In this line of the English Opening, Black develops the bishop to c5 early, aiming to put immediate pressure on White's central and queenside squares. The move 3...Bc5 is characteristic of an active and flexible setup, targeting the critical d4 and f2 squares and preparing for quick kingside development. By placing the bishop on c5, Black challenges White's control of the center indirectly, encouraging dynamic play.
Characteristic: The bishop move to c5 is a classical developing move that helps Black fight for central influence without committing pawns early. It also supports potential ...d5 breaks in the future and keeps options open for Black’s kingside development.
Attacking or Defensive: For Black, this move is attacking in nature as it actively pressures White’s center and prepares for further piece activity. For White, the position remains flexible; White can choose to counterattack in the center or focus on solid development and kingside fianchetto.
Center Control: This opening line involves indirect pressure on the center rather than immediate central pawn confrontation. Black's bishop on c5 eyes central squares, but the battle for the center is often postponed, giving the English Opening its characteristic flank control style.
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: Bremen, 3...Bc5, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 9 - Move #6 white