ECO code: A32
English Opening: Symmetrical Variation, Two Knights, 5.Nc3 Bb4
This line arises after the moves 1. c4 c5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 e6 5. Nc3 Bb4. Black develops the bishop to b4, pinning White's knight on c3 and putting immediate pressure on White’s center and queenside structure.
Characteristic of 5...Bb4: This move is a thematic pin that aims to challenge White’s control of the center indirectly by targeting the knight that supports the d4-square. It often leads to tension on the queenside and can induce White to make structural decisions early.
Attacking or Defensive: With White to move, White typically continues developing with solid central control, so White’s stance is more central and positional rather than purely attacking. Black’s 5...Bb4 is somewhat aggressive, aiming to exert pressure and restrict White’s knight, so from Black’s perspective, it is an active, attacking choice.
Center Control: This opening does involve fighting for the center. White has established a presence with pawns and knights on d4 and c4, while Black challenges this by exchanging pawns early and using pieces to pressure central squares. The move 5...Bb4 indirectly attacks White's center by pinning a key defender.
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, 5.Nc3 Bb4, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 2 - Move #7 black