Chess Opening Theory/1. c4/1...c5

English Opening - Symmetrical Variation rd nd bd qd kd bd nd rd pd pd pd pd pd pd pd pd pl pl pl pl pl pl pl pl rl nl bl ql kl bl nl rl English Opening - Symmetrical Variation 1...c5 The Symmetrical Variation. Play varies greatly depending on how White chooses to develop. For instance, 2. Nf3 signals that White will try to achieve a favourable break with the d-pawn immediately and Black can then try to impede this break and achieve his own immediate d-pawn break. 2. Nc3 on the other hand makes it harder for Black to achieve that pawn break and signals White's intention to develop first and then break the symmetry. For instance, common moves for White in this variation include g3, Bg2, e4, Nge2, d3, and O-O (the arising white pawn structure is called the Botvinnik system) with the idea of a pawn break on f4, b4, or even d4. White may also play e3 instead of e4 and once the knight gets to e2 the pawn break on d4 becomes a very attractive possibility. Theory table 1. c4 c5 2 3 4 5 Benoni formation Nf3Nf6 d4cxd4 Nxd4e6 Nc3Nc6 = Wing Gambitb4 -/+ Nc3g6 = e4Nc6 = English Opening References fi:Shakkiaapinen/Peli/1. c4/1...c5