< Chess Opening Theory < 1. c4
English Opening - Symmetrical Variation
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
Position in Forsyth-Edwards Notation (FEN)

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English Opening - Symmetrical Variation

1...c5

The Symmetrical Variation. Play varies greatly depending on how white chooses to develop, for instance 2.Nf3 signals that white will try to achieve a favourable break with the d-pawn immediately and black can then try to impede this break and achieve his own immediate d-pawn break. 2.Nc3 on the other hand makes it harder for black to achieve that pawn break and signals white´s intention to develop first and then break the symmetry. For instance common moves for white in this variations include g3,Bg2,e4,Nge2, d3 and o-o( the arising white pawn structure is called the Botvinnik system) with the idea of a pawn break on f4, b4 or even d4. White may also play e3 instead of e4 and once the knight gets to e2 the pawn break on d4 becomes a very attractive possibility.

Theory table

For explanation of theory tables see theory table and for notation see algebraic notation .

1.c4 c5
2 3 4 5
Benoni formation Nf3
Nf6
d4
cxd4
Nxd4
e6
Nc3
Nc6
=
Nc3
g6
=
e4
Nc6
=

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References

    • Batsford Chess Openings 2 (1989, 1994). Garry Kasparov, Raymond Keene. ISBN 0-8050-3409-9.
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