English OpeningA37

Symmetrical Variation, Three Knights, Fianchetto Variation

1. c4 c5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. g3 g6 4. Bg2 Bg7 5. Nf3

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Every move explained, never a dead end.

Both sides plans

White's plan

Occupy the center, develop quickly, castle, then pick a wing.

Black's plan

Contest the center before White occupies all of it.

The line, move by move

1. c4c4 controls d5.
... c5c5 controls d4.
2. Nc3Nc3 develops the knight and controls e4 and d5.
... Nc6Nc6 develops the knight and controls d4 and e5.
3. g3g3 repositions the pawn.
... g6g6 repositions the pawn.
4. Bg2Bg2 develops the bishop and controls e4 and d5.
... Bg7Bg7 develops the bishop and controls d4 and e5.
5. Nf3Nf3 develops the knight and controls d4 and e5.

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Other major variations

The complete English Opening guide See all 174 variations in the branch map

Symmetrical Variation, Three Knights, Fianchetto Variation (A37) · English Opening · OpeningMate