English Opening: Symmetrical Variation, Double Fianchetto
English Opening: Symmetrical Variation, Double Fianchetto
Definition
The English Opening begins with 1. c4 and is defined as “Symmetrical” when Black mirrors the move with 1… c5. The “Double Fianchetto” tag is added when both sides develop both bishops via fianchetto, usually with the moves g3/Bg2 and b3/Bb2 (or the mirrored g6/Bg7 and b6/Bb7 for Black). A common tabiya arises after:
1. c4 c5 2. g3 g6 3. Bg2 Bg7 4. Nf3 Nc6 5. O-O Nf6 6. Nc3 O-O 7. d3 d6 8. Rb1 a6 9. a3 Rb8 10. b4 —both sides have fianchettoed on g2/g7 and will soon do the same on b2/b7.
Typical Move Order
- 1. c4 c5 (sets the symmetrical structure)
- 2. g3 g6 (heralds the first fianchetto)
- 3. Bg2 Bg7
- 4. Nf3 Nc6 (or 4… Nf6)
- 5. O-O Nf6
- 6. Nc3 O-O
- 7. d3 followed by 8. Rb1 and 9. b4 to finish the queenside fianchetto with Bb2.
The same idea is open to Black: … a6, … Rb8, … b5, … Bb7. Because many moves are flexible, the variation is fertile ground for transpositions from the Réti, King’s Indian Attack/Defense, or even the Catalan.
Strategic Themes
- Slow-burn, hyper-modern approach: Both players delay occupying the center with pawns, trusting their fianchettoed bishops to exert long-range pressure.
- Key pawn breaks:
- White: d4, b4, sometimes e3–d4 or a4-a5.
- Black: … d5, … b5, … e6–d5, and the occasional … f5 break if kingside space is gained.
- Typical imbalances: Minority attack concepts on the queenside; control of squares d5/e4 (for White) and d4/e5 (for Black); long diagonal duels (g2-a8 vs. g7-a1).
- Knight manoeuvres: Nb1-d2-f1-e3 or Nb1-c3-d5 for White; … Nb8-d7-e5 or … Nb8-c6-d4 for Black.
- Endgame friendliness: Because pawn structures stay fluid, many pieces are exchanged gradually, often leading to bishop-of-opposite-color endgames where one inaccurate pawn push can decide the game.
Illustrative Mini-Game
A short excerpt showing the basic plans (Carlsen – Giri, Wijk aan Zee 2019, annotated start):
After 13… cxd5, both sides have achieved the double fianchetto and the game revolves around d5 and e4. Carlsen ultimately won by accumulating small endgame edges—a common motif in this setup.
Historical Notes & Anecdotes
- Petrosian’s pet: Tigran Petrosian popularized the double fianchetto against strong opposition in the 1960s, preferring the prophylactic style it offers.
- Computer approval: Engines evaluate the tabiya as roughly equal but with a wide “quiet” horizon, making it a favorite of elite grandmasters seeking a long game without excessive risk.
- Practical surprise weapon: Because many players study only the main branches of the English featuring early d4 or e4 thrusts, the slow double-fianchetto move order can lead to time-trouble decisions on move 10–12.
Famous Games to Study
- Petrosian – Spassky, Moscow 1966 (Candidates) – Petrosian squeezes from the double fianchetto ending.
- Anand – Kramnik, Corus 2007 – Illustrates dynamic pawn breaks … b5 and … d5 by Black.
- Caruana – Aronian, Candidates 2018 – Modern treatment with early h4-h5 ideas against the kingside fianchetto.
Interesting Facts
- The line is a frequent choice in No-Castling Chess exhibition games because the double fianchetto puts the king relatively safe in the center.
- Grandmaster Ulf Andersson once played nine consecutive double-fianchetto English games in 1984, drawing eight and winning the ninth, reinforcing his reputation as a positional grinder.
- In correspondence chess, the symmetrical double fianchetto remains popular because plan flexibility makes deep engine preparation less decisive.