English Opening: King's English Variation, Reversed Closed Sicilian (A25)

The King's English Variation, Reversed Closed Sicilian is a variation of the English Opening, catalogued as ECO A25. The line runs 1. c4 e5 2. g3 Nf6 3. Bg2 Nc6 4. Nc3 Bb4 5. e4 d6 6. Nge2 Bg4, reaching the position shown below after 12 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on e5). Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is White to move after six moves.

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

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English Opening: King's English Variation, Reversed Closed Sicilian — position after Bg4 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. c4 e5 2. g3 Nf6 3. Bg2 Nc6 4. Nc3 Bb4 5. e4 d6 6. Nge2 Bg4

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1c4e5
2g3Nf6
3Bg2Nc6
4Nc3Bb4
5e4d6
6Nge2Bg4

ECO: A25

Stockfish: +0.16 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related English Opening lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the King's English Variation, Reversed Closed Sicilian?

The King's English Variation, Reversed Closed Sicilian goes 1. c4 e5 2. g3 Nf6 3. Bg2 Nc6 4. Nc3 Bb4 5. e4 d6 6. Nge2 Bg4. It is a variation of the English Opening and is catalogued as ECO A25.

What is the ECO code for the King's English Variation, Reversed Closed Sicilian?

The King's English Variation, Reversed Closed Sicilian is ECO A25. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the English Opening.

Is the King's English Variation, Reversed Closed Sicilian good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. c4 e5 2. g3 Nf6 3. Bg2 Nc6 4. Nc3 Bb4 5. e4 d6 6. Nge2 Bg4 at +0.16 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 King's English Variation, Reversed Closed Sicilian lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on e5). Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is White to move.