English Opening · A30

Symmetrical Variation, Hedgehog Defense

1. c4 e6 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nc3 c5 4. g3 b6 5. Bg2 Bb7 6. O-O Be7

White's kingside bishop takes the long diagonal and Black's queenside bishop takes the long diagonal. c4 fights for d5 without committing the centre pawns: White often fianchettoes and plays a reversed Sicilian with an extra tempo.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. c4 Fights for d5 from the flank - contesting the centre without committing a centre pawn. Theory calls this the English Opening.
• 1... e6 Supports the centre, adding control of d5. Theory calls this the Agincourt Defense.
• 2. Nf3 Develops the knight to f3, eyeing d4 and e5.
• 2... Nf6 Develops the knight to f6, eyeing d5 and e4.

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