The Symmetrical Variation, Anti-Benoni Variation, Spielmann Defense 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 cxd4 5. Nxd4 Nc6, 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.
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The Symmetrical Variation, Anti-Benoni Variation, Spielmann Defense goes 1. c4 e6 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nc3 c5 4. d4 cxd4 5. Nxd4 Nc6. It is a variation of the English Opening and is catalogued as ECO A33.
The Symmetrical Variation, Anti-Benoni Variation, Spielmann Defense is ECO A33. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the English Opening.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. c4 e6 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nc3 c5 4. d4 cxd4 5. Nxd4 Nc6 at +0.20 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.
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.