English Opening: Symmetrical Variation, Anti-Benoni Variation, Geller Variation (A33)

The Symmetrical Variation, Anti-Benoni Variation, Geller Variation is a variation of the English Opening, catalogued as ECO A33. The line runs 1. c4 e6 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nc3 c5 4. d4 Nc6 5. g3 cxd4 6. Nxd4 Qb6, reaching the position shown below after 12 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 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: Symmetrical Variation, Anti-Benoni Variation, Geller Variation — position after Qb6 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. c4 e6 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nc3 c5 4. d4 Nc6 5. g3 cxd4 6. Nxd4 Qb6

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1c4e6
2Nf3Nf6
3Nc3c5
4d4Nc6
5g3cxd4
6Nxd4Qb6

ECO: A33

Stockfish: +0.30 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related English Opening lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Symmetrical Variation, Anti-Benoni Variation, Geller Variation?

The Symmetrical Variation, Anti-Benoni Variation, Geller Variation goes 1. c4 e6 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nc3 c5 4. d4 Nc6 5. g3 cxd4 6. Nxd4 Qb6. It is a variation of the English Opening and is catalogued as ECO A33.

What is the ECO code for the Symmetrical Variation, Anti-Benoni Variation, Geller Variation?

The Symmetrical Variation, Anti-Benoni Variation, Geller Variation is ECO A33. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the English Opening.

Is the Symmetrical Variation, Anti-Benoni Variation, Geller Variation good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. c4 e6 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nc3 c5 4. d4 Nc6 5. g3 cxd4 6. Nxd4 Qb6 at +0.30 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for White, within normal opening margins. 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 Symmetrical Variation, Anti-Benoni Variation, Geller Variation 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.