A30intermediate

English Opening: Symmetrical Variation

Both sides fianchetto and develop symmetrically. A flexible system that can lead to Hedgehog, Maroczy Bind, or reversed Sicilian structures.

35%
White wins
36%
Draw
29%
Black wins

Main Line Moves

1.c4c52.Nc3Nc63.g3g64.Bg2Bg75.Nf3Nf66.O-OO-O7.d3d68.Rb1a5

Key Ideas

  • 1Symmetrical structure gives equal chances
  • 2Both bishops control long diagonals
  • 3Strategic maneuvering and positional play
  • 4Can transpose to many different structures

Variations

Hedgehog

c4c5Nf3Nf6Nc3e6g3b6Bg2Bb7d4cxd4Qxd4d6

Black adopts the compact Hedgehog formation with pawns on a6, b6, d6, e6

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