English Opening: Symmetrical Variation, Full Symmetry Line (A38)

The Symmetrical Variation, Full Symmetry Line is a variation of the English Opening, catalogued as ECO A38. The line runs 1. c4 Nf6 2. Nf3 c5 3. Nc3 Nc6 4. g3 g6 5. Bg2 Bg7, 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 three 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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English Opening: Symmetrical Variation, Full Symmetry Line — position after Bg7 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. c4 Nf6 2. Nf3 c5 3. Nc3 Nc6 4. g3 g6 5. Bg2 Bg7

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1c4Nf6
2Nf3c5
3Nc3Nc6
4g3g6
5Bg2Bg7

ECO: A38

Stockfish: +0.39 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related English Opening lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Symmetrical Variation, Full Symmetry Line?

The Symmetrical Variation, Full Symmetry Line goes 1. c4 Nf6 2. Nf3 c5 3. Nc3 Nc6 4. g3 g6 5. Bg2 Bg7. It is a variation of the English Opening and is catalogued as ECO A38.

What is the ECO code for the Symmetrical Variation, Full Symmetry Line?

The Symmetrical Variation, Full Symmetry Line is ECO A38. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the English Opening.

Is the Symmetrical Variation, Full Symmetry Line good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. c4 Nf6 2. Nf3 c5 3. Nc3 Nc6 4. g3 g6 5. Bg2 Bg7 at +0.39 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, Full Symmetry Line lead to?

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