Formation · A00

Shy Attack

1. a3 e5 2. g3 d5 3. Bg2 Nf6 4. d3 Nc6 5. Nd2 Bd6 6. e3 O-O 7. h3

White's kingside bishop takes the long diagonal.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. a3 A useful waiting move that keeps the structure flexible on the a-file. Theory calls this the Anderssen's Opening.
• 1... e5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d4, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 2. g3 Prepares the fianchetto: the bishop will take the long diagonal via g2.
• 2... d5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e4, and frees the bishop and queen.

Sign in to read every move's note and train this line — 9 more moves in this line, 13 in all.