The Symmetrical Variation, Hedgehog Defense is a variation of the English Opening, catalogued as ECO A30. The line runs 1. c4 e6 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nc3 c5 4. g3 b6 5. Bg2 Bb7 6. O-O Be7, 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 three minor pieces each. It is White to move after six moves. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted.
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.
See all 69 English Opening variations →
The Symmetrical Variation, Hedgehog Defense goes 1. c4 e6 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nc3 c5 4. g3 b6 5. Bg2 Bb7 6. O-O Be7. It is a variation of the English Opening and is catalogued as ECO A30.
The Symmetrical Variation, Hedgehog Defense is ECO A30. 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. g3 b6 5. Bg2 Bb7 6. O-O Be7 at +0.49 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.
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. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted.