ECO A30 · for Black
English Opening: Symmetrical Variation
The line below is what Lichess 1600-1800 players actually play: after the opening's defining moves, each move is the most common choice at that point. The notes are Chessbook's move notes, the same ones shown while building a repertoire.
3,839,737 games in this band reached the Symmetrical Variation position. From there Black won 45% and drew 5%.
1. c4 c5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. g3 g6 4. Bg2 Bg7 5. e3 e6 6. Nge2 Nge7 7. O-O O-O 8. d4 cxd4
Moves 1 to 2
1. c4 c5 2. Nc3 Nc6
1. c4
Advancing the c-pawn, aiming to develop the queenside knight with a very flexible position.
1... c5
Copying White and not allowing him to gain a space advantage.
2. Nc3
Developing the knight and controlling the d5 square.
- 2. g3: Intending to place the light-squared bishop on the long diagonal where it will help control the center and pressure Black's queenside.
2... Nc6
Developing the knight and copying white, remaining flexible.
- 2... Nf6: Developing the knight and fighting for control of the center.
Moves 3 to 4
3. g3 g6 4. Bg2 Bg7
3. g3
Placing the bishop on the long diagonal where it will help control the center and pressure Black's queenside.
3... g6
Fianchettoing the bishop in order to take control of the central dark-squares.
4. Bg2
Fianchettoing the bishop in order to establish control of the central light-squares.
4... Bg7
Fianchettoing the establishing control of the central dark-squares. This also keeps the position symmetrical.
Moves 5 to 6
5. e3 e6 6. Nge2 Nge7
5. e3
5... e6
6. Nge2
6... Nge7
Moves 7 to 8
7. O-O O-O 8. d4 cxd4
7. O-O
7... O-O
8. d4
8... cxd4
Plans for Black in this position
What Black usually does from here in Chessbook's games data. Hover a move to see it on the board.
- The pawn on e6 or knight on e7 typically recaptures the pawn on d5
- The knight on c6 generally recaptures the pawn on d4
- The queen usually develops to b6
- The knight on e7 often moves to c6
- The light-squared bishop often develops to e6
- A common pawn move is d5
Related opening guides
- Sicilian Defense for Black
- French Defense for Black
- Scandinavian Defense for Black
- Caro-Kann Defense for Black
- Scandinavian Defense: Mieses-Kotroc Variation for Black
- Philidor Defense for Black