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ECO A40Semi-closed game

English Defense

Let them build the centre; we will undermine it

  • Fianchetto
  • Hypermodern

Against 1.d4 Black plays 1…b6 and, after c4 and …e6, prepares a fianchetto on b7. Black deliberately lets White have a centre with pawns on c4 and e4, then attacks it with pieces and pawn breaks. It is a rare and tricky opening: Black has to prove that active play is worth the space given away. It appeals to those who want to drag the opponent off the well-trodden paths.

Interactive Opening Board

6…Nf6

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Black
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♔
White
6…Nf6
Speed:

Moves

(12 plies • 6 moves)
6…Nf6Tabiya
  1. 1–6moves
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  3. 2.
  4. 3.
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  7. 6.

Defining move

1…b6 — the bishop aims at e4

The move that takes the game off the beaten path at once

The b6 pawn opens the way for the bishop to b7, where it will press on the centre from the long diagonal. Black does not stop White from putting pawns on c4 and e4, but plans to undermine that centre. The plan demands exact timing: hesitate, and White gets far too much space.

Tabiya

Black attacks the centre with …f5 and …Bb4

White has built a broad centre, but it now has targets: the e4 pawn is under pressure from the b7 bishop and from …f5, and the c3 knight is pinned by the b4 bishop. The queen on e2 covers the centre. Black has active play and pressure on e4 in return for the space given away. White wants to hold the centre and finish development.

White’s plan

  • Build the centre: c4, e4 and piece development.
  • Bring the knight to c3 and keep e4 protected.
  • If needed, steer into Nimzo-Indian-style structures, or play 2.e4 at once.

Black’s plan

  • Put the bishop on b7 and press on e4.
  • Undermine the centre with …Bb4, …f5 and sometimes …Qh4.
  • Strike with the breaks …c5 or …d5 when White overextends.

History

English players brought the opening to wider attention, among them Tony Miles and Raymond Keene.

Notable players

Viktor Korchnoi

Games in the Atlas

No games in the Atlas yet

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