English Opening: King’s English, Kramnik–Shirov Counterattack

English Opening: King’s English Variation, Kramnik–Shirov Counterattack

The Kramnik–Shirov Counterattack is a dynamic and theoretically respected way for Black to meet the King’s English setup in the English Opening. It revolves around an early central break with ...d5 against White’s fianchetto plans, often arising after 1. c4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Nf3 Nc6 4. g3 d5!?. Classified under ECO A29, it offers Black immediate central counterplay in a “colors reversed” Sicilian structure with excellent practical chances for both sides.

Definition

The English Opening: King’s English Variation, Kramnik–Shirov Counterattack refers to the line:

  • 1. c4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Nf3 Nc6 4. g3 d5!?

Black strikes at the center at once, challenging White’s grip before the fianchettoed bishop on g2 can fully coordinate. The name recalls Vladimir Kramnik’s successful early adoption against Alexei Shirov in the mid‑1990s, after which it became a durable weapon at the highest level.

How it is used in chess

Players who enjoy immediate counterplay and are comfortable with open centers choose this system to meet the King’s English setup. It is common in classical, rapid, and blitz, and it can serve as a surprise weapon because many English specialists expect slower maneuvers rather than an early ...d5 break.

Conceptually, it’s a “reversed Sicilian” with one tempo less for White: after ...e5 and ...d5, many structures mirror Open Sicilian themes but with colors reversed, giving Black active piece play and early central tension.

Strategic and historical significance

  • Central break: The hallmark move ...d5 challenges c4–e4 squares and can open lines for rapid development.
  • Colors reversed: The ideas often echo the Open Sicilian, but with White as the “Sicilian player” down a tempo—see Colors reversed.
  • History: Popularized in the 1990s; associated with Vladimir Kramnik’s successful preparation against Alexei Shirov, after which many elite players adopted it.
  • Soundness: Considered objectively solid and dynamically equal; engines typically show a small, fluctuating edge either way depending on concrete move orders (see also Engine eval).

Move orders and core ideas

Principal move order:

  • 1. c4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Nf3 Nc6 4. g3 d5!? 5. cxd5 Nxd5 6. Bg2 Nb6 7. 0-0 Be7, with ideas of ...0-0, ...Re8, ...Bf8, and sometimes ...Be6 or ...Nd4.

Alternatives and nuances:

  • 5. d3 or 5. d4 lead to different pawn structures; 5. d4 exd4 may transpose to Open Sicilian‑type play (reversed).
  • White can delay g3 with 4. e3/4. d3 to avoid some of Black’s most direct lines, but then Black comfortably equalizes.
  • Black can choose ...d4 in one go in some positions to gain space and fix c4 as a potential target.

Typical plans for both sides

  • White’s plans:
    • Fianchetto with Bg2 and 0-0; pressure on the c- and d-files after cxd5 Nxd5.
    • Queenside expansion with a3, b4, Rc1; clamp down on d5 and e5; prepare d3–d4 break.
    • Piece play: Ne4, Be3, Qc2, Rfd1; target d5/b7 and restrain ...d4.
  • Black’s plans:
    • Complete development: ...Be7, ...0-0, ...Re8; consider ...Bf8 to bolster central breaks.
    • Space grab with ...d4 in suitable moments; maneuver ...Nd4 to hit c2/e2, or ...Be6/...Qd7 ideas.
    • Queenside countermeasures: ...a5 to discourage b4; timely ...f5 or ...e4 to seize the initiative.

Model games and illustrative examples

Illustrative line showing the characteristic ...d5 break and rapid development:


Historic reference: The system gained its moniker after Kramnik used this counterattacking idea against Shirov in the mid‑1990s. The opening has since appeared in elite events and remains a trusted equalizer for Black.

Common traps and pitfalls

  • Overextending with an early d4 by White: After 1. c4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Nf3 Nc6 4. g3 d5 5. d4?! exd4 6. Nxd4 Nxd4 7. Qxd4 dxc4! Black may liquidate to a comfortable structure with active pieces.
  • Underestimating ...Nd4 tactics: In many lines with Be3/Qc2, Black’s ...Nd4 can fork c2/e2 motifs or trade favorably to ease pressure.
  • Careless kingside play: For Black, premature ...f5?! without development can be met by d3–d4 with tempo; for White, slow play permits ...d4 and a space squeeze.

Mini-trap motif:


The illustrative sequence shows how a hasty ...f5 can leave dark squares and e5 vulnerable to well-timed central breaks.

Common transpositions

  • Reversed Open Sicilian: Structures mirror 1. e4 c5 positions with colors reversed and a tempo difference.
  • Maróczy Bind themes: If White plays e4 and d4 against ...e5, some positions resemble a reversed Maróczy setup.
  • Quiet English: Move-orders with 4. d3 or 4. e3 can steer play back toward slower English plans, avoiding the sharpest ...d5 lines.

Theory status and modern trends

  • Evaluation: Sound and reliable for Black; engines often give near equality with best play.
  • Trends: White players test move-order subtleties (e.g., delaying g3 or choosing 5. d3) to limit Black’s activity; Black refines ...Nd4 and ...Be6 ideas.
  • Practical appeal: Very popular in rapid/blitz due to its clarity of plan and immediate central tension.

Practical tips

  • For White:
    • Be ready for cxd5 Nxd5 and quick development; don’t allow easy ...Nd4 hits.
    • Use a3, b4, Rc1 to gain space on the queenside; time d3–d4 accurately.
    • Control dark squares around e4 and c5; consider Ne4 and Be3 to neutralize ...Nd4.
  • For Black:
    • Develop smoothly: ...Be7, ...0-0, ...Re8; then assess ...d4 or piece pressure with ...Nd4.
    • Meet b4 with ...a5 when appropriate; aim for ...Be6/...Qd7 to coordinate rooks.
    • Know your tactics: ...Nd4 forks, ...e4 breaks, and exchanges that ease White’s space advantage.

Anecdotes and interesting facts

  • Namesake duel: The line is named for Kramnik’s counterattacking idea deployed successfully against Shirov’s English in the mid‑1990s.
  • Reverse psychology: English players expecting slow, positional maneuvering often get surprised by Black’s immediate ...d5 strike.
  • ECO: Frequently cataloged as A29 within English Opening theory.

Examples you can play through

Illustrative mainline sample with a typical “reversed Sicilian” feel:


Related terms and concepts

SEO summary

The English Opening: King’s English Variation, Kramnik–Shirov Counterattack (ECO A29) arises after 1. c4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Nf3 Nc6 4. g3 d5!?. Black challenges the center immediately, aiming for dynamic equality and “reversed Sicilian” play. This guide covers key move orders, plans, tactics like ...Nd4 and ...e4, typical structures after cxd5 Nxd5, and practical tips for both sides. A reliable, modern, counterattacking choice against the English.

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Last updated 2025-11-05