English Opening: Symmetrical Variation, Three Knights, Fianchetto Variation (A37)

The Symmetrical Variation, Three Knights, Fianchetto Variation is a variation of the English Opening, catalogued as ECO A37. The line runs 1. c4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. g3 g6 4. Bg2 Bg7 5. O-O d6 6. Nc3, reaching the position shown below after 11 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 Black 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.

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English Opening: Symmetrical Variation, Three Knights, Fianchetto Variation — position after Nc3 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. c4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. g3 g6 4. Bg2 Bg7 5. O-O d6 6. Nc3

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1c4c5
2Nf3Nc6
3g3g6
4Bg2Bg7
5O-Od6
6Nc3

ECO: A37

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 Symmetrical Variation, Three Knights, Fianchetto Variation?

The Symmetrical Variation, Three Knights, Fianchetto Variation goes 1. c4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. g3 g6 4. Bg2 Bg7 5. O-O d6 6. Nc3. It is a variation of the English Opening and is catalogued as ECO A37.

What is the ECO code for the Symmetrical Variation, Three Knights, Fianchetto Variation?

The Symmetrical Variation, Three Knights, Fianchetto Variation is ECO A37. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the English Opening.

Is the Symmetrical Variation, Three Knights, Fianchetto Variation good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. c4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. g3 g6 4. Bg2 Bg7 5. O-O d6 6. Nc3 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 Symmetrical Variation, Three Knights, Fianchetto 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 three minor pieces each. It is Black to move. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted.