ECO code: A22
English Opening: Bremen, Reverse Dragon, 4.cxd5 Nxd5
This variation arises after the moves 1. c4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. g3 d5 4. cxd5 Nxd5. It is a flexible and dynamic setup for both sides, where White adopts a fianchetto with 3.g3 aiming for long-term pressure on the center and queenside, while Black challenges the center early with ...d5.
Characteristic: The move 4...Nxd5 recaptures the pawn immediately and keeps active piece play. It reflects a "Reverse Dragon" structure, mimicking ideas from the Sicilian Dragon but with colors reversed. Black’s knight on d5 is well-placed, exerting central influence and ready to support ...Nc6 and ...Be6 developments.
Attacking or Defensive: From White’s perspective, this line is more positional and strategic, focusing on controlling key squares and preparing pressure rather than immediate attacks. Black plays actively, contesting the center and aiming for dynamic counterplay. Therefore, Black’s approach is more aggressively aimed at the center, while White maintains a solid but flexible stance.
Center Control: This opening definitely involves a fight for the center. Black challenges the center early with ...d5, and by recapturing on d5 with the knight, Black keeps a strong central presence. White, by exchanging on d5, opens lines and keeps control over central and queenside squares through piece activity and pawn structure.
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, Reverse Dragon, 4.cxd5 Nxd5, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 11 - Move #8 white