English Opening: Anglo-Indian Defense (A17)

The Anglo-Indian Defense is a variation of the English Opening, catalogued as ECO A17. The line runs 1. c4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. cxd5 Nxd5 4. Nf3 c5 5. e3 e6, reaching the position shown below after 10 half-moves.

The four central squares are empty of pawns, so the fight for them is being conducted by pieces. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move after five moves.

On the English Opening generally: A flexible opening where White controls the center with c4. Can transpose into many different systems.

You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.

English Opening: Anglo-Indian Defense — position after e6 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. c4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. cxd5 Nxd5 4. Nf3 c5 5. e3 e6

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1c4Nf6
2Nc3d5
3cxd5Nxd5
4Nf3c5
5e3e6

ECO: A17

Stockfish: +0.24 at depth 18

Practice this line free →

Position characteristics

Related English Opening lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Anglo-Indian Defense?

The Anglo-Indian Defense goes 1. c4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. cxd5 Nxd5 4. Nf3 c5 5. e3 e6. It is a variation of the English Opening and is catalogued as ECO A17.

What is the ECO code for the Anglo-Indian Defense?

The Anglo-Indian Defense is ECO A17. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the English Opening.

Is the Anglo-Indian Defense good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. c4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. cxd5 Nxd5 4. Nf3 c5 5. e3 e6 at +0.24 at depth 18, which is balanced. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.

What kind of position does the Anglo-Indian Defense lead to?

The four central squares are empty of pawns, so the fight for them is being conducted by pieces. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move.