ECO code: A31
Opening Name: English Opening: Symmetrical, Two Knights, 4...g6
Moves: 1. c4 c5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 g6 5. Nc3 Bg7
Description: This line arises from the English Opening's symmetrical variation, where both sides contest the center with pawns and knights. After White's 3.d4 and subsequent recapture on d4 with the knight, Black plays 4...g6, preparing to fianchetto the dark-squared bishop to g7. This setup is characteristic of a hypermodern approach, where Black aims to control the center from a distance rather than occupying it immediately.
Characteristic of the move 4...g6: The move 4...g6 signals Black's intention to fianchetto the bishop, adding pressure on the central and long diagonal. This helps Black to challenge White's central presence and supports flexible pawn breaks later on.
Attacking or Defensive: As White, the position remains balanced with active development and good central presence, allowing for both attacking and positional plans. Black adopts a somewhat flexible and hypermodern stance, focusing more on solid development and indirect control of the center rather than immediate attacks. Therefore, White tends to take a more direct approach in the center, while Black plays a more defensive and counterattacking role.
Center Control: White has established a strong central presence with the pawn on d4 and active knights, directly occupying the center. Black, by contrast, refrains from immediate central pawn occupation, instead controlling key squares from a distance with the fianchettoed bishop and knights. Thus, the opening features a contest over the center, with White holding it more directly and Black challenging it indirectly.
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: Symmetrical, Two Knights, 4...g6, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 4 - Move #9 black