English Opening Symmetrical Anti Benoni Variation
English Opening
Definition
The English Opening begins with the move 1.c4. It is named after the 19th-century English master Howard Staunton, who popularized it. The opening is classified in ECO codes as A10–A39 and is characterized by its flexible pawn structure and ability to transpose into a wide variety of middlegames, including reversed Sicilians, Queen’s Gambits, and even Indian-Defence structures.
Usage in Play
Because 1.c4 does not immediately stake a claim in the center with a pawn on e4 or d4, the English is considered a flank opening. Players often select it:
- To avoid highly theory-laden 1.e4 or 1.d4 defences.
- To steer the game toward slower, positional struggles rich in transpositional possibilities.
- To reach “reversed” Sicilian positions, where White enjoys an extra tempo in structures Black usually handles.
Historical & Strategic Significance
The English acquired elite-level status in the 20th century after being adopted by players such as Botvinnik, Petrosian, and later Kasparov. Today it remains a cornerstone of the repertoires of Carlsen, Kramnik, and Giri, prized for its blend of solidity and latent attacking potential.
Illustrative Mini-Game
The first five moves of a classic Botvinnik setup:
Symmetrical English (1.c4 c5)
Definition
The Symmetrical English arises after the mirror reply 1…c5. It keeps the position completely balanced in pawn structure and piece development—at least for a while. ECO codes A30–A39 are devoted to this family of lines.
Typical Plans
- Slow Development – Both sides fianchetto kingside bishops (g3 and …g6) and maneuver behind their pawn chains.
- Central Breaks – The first player to play d2–d4 or …d7–d5 (or sometimes e-breaks) may seize the initiative.
- Queenside Expansion – a2–a3 and b2–b4 for White; …a7–a6 and …b7–b5 for Black.
Strategic Significance
The Symmetrical English can feel deceptively quiet. One tempo can make the difference in a race to seize the center—hence masters often describe it as “a Sicilian where the colors are reversed and the clock is running.”
Example Position
After 1.c4 c5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nc3 Nc6 4.g3 g6, both sides have symmetrical fianchettos. The latent tension in the center makes …d5 and d4 the thematic pawn breaks.
Anti-Benoni Variation of the Symmetrical English
Definition
The Anti-Benoni arises when White plays an early d2–d4 in the Symmetrical English, typically:
1.c4 c5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4
By capturing with the knight on d4, White avoids the pawn structures of the Modern Benoni (which would follow 4…e6 5.Nc3 d5 or 4…e6 5.Nc3 d5). ECO codes A37–A39 cover this system.
Why “Anti-Benoni”?
In the Benoni Defence (1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6), Black accepts a semi-open position with dynamic play but an isolated d-pawn. In the Anti-Benoni, White prevents Black from obtaining that pawn structure by:
- Recapturing with a piece on d4 (maintaining a pawn on c4 instead of d4).
- Keeping the central pawn duo flexible (e2–e3/e4 and c4).
Strategic Themes
- Piece Pressure on d5 – White’s knight on d4 and bishop on g2 often eye the d5 square, discouraging …d7–d5.
- Complex Minor-Piece Play – Both sides must watch out for tactics on b5, c6, and e6 involving forks or discovered attacks.
- Flexible Pawn Levers – White can choose between e2-e3 (solid) or e2-e4 (expansive), while Black weighs …e6 versus …g6 setups.
Model Game
One of the most instructive modern examples is Magnus Carlsen – Levon Aronian, Bilbao 2012. The early moves followed Anti-Benoni patterns, and Carlsen’s subtle queenside expansion eventually netted a small structural edge he converted in the endgame.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Karpov’s Choice: Anatoly Karpov used the Anti-Benoni structure (via a 1.Nf3 move-order) to outmaneuver Veselin Topalov in Sarajevo 1999, remarking afterwards that “preventing Black’s pawn breaks is half the game.”
- Engine Verdicts: Modern engines often give a small but persistent “+0.30” edge for White, judging that the absence of Benoni counterplay slightly favors the first player.
- Names, Names, Names: In older texts you may see this line called the “King’s Knight Variation of the English” or simply “2.Nf3 Anti-Benoni.” The moniker “Anti-Benoni” gained traction in English-language literature during the 1980s.
Typical Continuation
Here is a frequently seen branch illustrating main strategic ideas:
1. c4 c5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 e6 5. Nc3 Bb4 (pinning the c3-knight) 6. g3 O-O 7. Bg2 d5?! (often premature; better is …Nc6) 8. cxd5 exd5 9. Qb3! (pressure on d5 and b7)
White has kept the center fluid and is ready to target Black’s isolated d-pawn—an Anti-Benoni dream scenario.