Chess Openings·English Opening, Closed Variation

Flank Opening

English Opening, Closed Variation

1.c4 e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7

Step through

8 / 8
  1. 1.
  3. 2.
  5. 3.
  7. 4.

Tap a move to jump to that position.

The move order is kept loose so several set-ups stay available. Pawns push forward and take room away from the opponent. Of the four central squares, pawns stand on e5. Nothing has been captured yet. Neither side has castled yet.

The position

Length
8 moves
To move
White
Legal replies
32
Minor pieces out
White 2 · Black 2
Material
level
Castling rights left
KQkq
FEN
r1bqk1nr/pppp1pbp/2n3p1/4p3/2P5/2N3P1/PP1PPPBP/R1BQK1NR w KQkq - 2 5

Move by move

Each move spelled out: which piece went from where to where.

  1. 1.c4White: Pawn c2→c4
  2. 1…e5Black: Pawn e7→e5
  3. 2.Nc3White: Knight b1→c3
  4. 2…Nc6Black: Knight b8→c6
  5. 3.g3White: Pawn g2→g3
  6. 3…g6Black: Pawn g7→g6
  7. 4.Bg2White: Bishop f1→g2
  8. 4…Bg7Black: Bishop f8→g7

Nearby lines

first 2 moves shared

English Opening, Reversed Sicilianc4 e5English Openingc4English Opening, Symmetrical Variation…c5English Opening, Anglo-Indian Defence…Nf6

Common questions

Q. What are the moves of English Opening, Closed Variation?

1.c4 e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7

Q. Which family does it belong to?

Flank Opening — First moves other than e4 and d4, aiming at the centre from the wing.

Q. Who is to move next?

After 8 moves it is White to move.