English Opening: Symmetrical Variation, Mecking Variation

English Opening: Symmetrical Variation

Definition

The Symmetrical Variation of the English Opening arises after the very first move-pair 1. c4 c5. Black mirrors White’s flank pawn advance, creating a perfectly symmetrical pawn structure. From this deceptively quiet position a huge range of sub-variations can develop, some tranquil and some razor-sharp, because the symmetry is usually broken within the next few moves.

Typical Move Orders

The position after 1. c4 c5 can branch in many directions. Below are five of the most common continuations:

• 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. g3 – The Four Knights line leading to the fianchetto systems so popular with Karpov and Kasparov.
• 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. d4 – The direct central break known as the Mecking Variation (see the next section).
• 2. g3 g6 – A double fianchetto structure that can transpose into a Reversed Dragon.
• 2. e3 Nf6 3. d4 – A Queen’s Gambit-style set-up with colors reversed.
• 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. g3 g6 4. Bg2 Bg7 5. e3 – A “double hedgehog” where both sides hold back their central pawns and maneuver behind the c- and e-files.

Strategic Themes

Although the opening begins symmetrically, each player is soon confronted with the decision of when and how to break that symmetry:

1. Early d-pawn breaks – Either side can play …d5 or d4 to challenge the center and seize space.
2. Piece Pressure on the long diagonals – Because the c-pawns are fixed on c4 and c5, both b1–h7 and b8–h2 diagonals become natural highways for a bishop fianchetto.
3. Reversed Sicilian Structures – If White plays d4 while Black maintains the c5 pawn, the resulting positions are Sicilian Defence setups with an extra tempo for White.
4. The Hedgehog – Black can adopt a compact formation with pawns on a6, b6, d6, and e6, waiting to counter-strike with …b5 or …d5.

Historical Significance

The English was championed by Howard Staunton in the 19^th century, but the symmetrical treatment by Black only became a serious main line after World War II. In the 1970s players such as Anatoly Karpov, Ljubomir Ljubojević, and Ulf Andersson demonstrated its soundness for Black, while Garry Kasparov later weaponized the line from both sides.

Illustrative Mini-Game

The game fragment above shows the most popular Four Knights tabiya. After 10…d6 White enjoys a slight space advantage and the typical pressure on the long diagonal a1–h8.

Interesting Facts

• The ECO codes A30–A39 are reserved exclusively for Symmetrical English variations.
• Because it starts with flank moves, the opening often lasts 15–20 moves before any pawns are exchanged—yet a single central break can explode the position.
• In bullet and blitz, the move order 1. c4 c5 scores well for Black because it instantly solves the “c-pawn problem” of many Sicilians.

English Opening: Symmetrical Variation, Mecking Variation

Definition

The Mecking Variation is a forcing line inside the Symmetrical English that bears the name of Brazilian grandmaster Henrique Mecking. Its defining moves are: 1. c4 c5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. d4 (sometimes reached via 2 …Nc6 first). White immediately breaks the symmetry by challenging the c5-pawn, steering the game toward a Reversed Open Sicilian where White enjoys an extra tempo.

Main Line Move Order

The critical sequence runs:

1. c4   c5
2. Nf3  Nf6
3. d4   cxd4
4. Nxd4 Nc6 (4…e6 or 4…g6 are also playable for Black)
5. Nc3  e6 (or 5…g6 heading for a Reversed Dragon)

Strategic Ideas

• Sicilian in Reverse – After the pawn exchange on d4 the structure resembles an Open Sicilian, but White has the extra tempo of being “a move up.”
• Central Space – White typically follows up with e4, placing two pawns in the center and asking Black to prove compensation.
• Development vs. Structure – Black’s most reliable plans involve quick development (…e6, …Bb4, …d5) or a kingside fianchetto combined with …d6 and a Hedgehog shell.
• Tactical Opportunities – Because the c-file is already half-open, the opposite-colored queen and rook batteries can appear very early.

Historical Background

Henrique Mecking unveiled the idea at top level in the late 1960s and early 1970s, notably using it to defeat Grandmasters such as Lubomir Kavalek (Skopje, 1970) and reigning World Champion Boris Spassky in a blitz exhibition. The line quickly entered opening manuals because it offered White a direct, principled alternative to the slower maneuvering English systems then in vogue.

Model Game

(Mecking – Kavalek, Skopje Interzonal 1970, after 17 Qg4) White’s central pawns and lead in development created sustained attacking chances, illustrating the variation’s combative spirit.

Theory Snapshot

• According to recent databases White scores about 55 % in classical games – very respectable for an opening that commits the center so early.
• The move 3…e6 (instead of 3…cxd4) transposes to a Queen’s Gambit with colors reversed, another playable sideline.

Interesting Anecdotes

• Mecking reportedly devised the idea during a nine-hour bus ride to a junior event, analyzing on an 8×8 paper diagram because no chessboard was available.
• When Kasparov prepared for Kasparov vs. Deep Blue 1997, his team considered the Mecking Variation as a surprise weapon; they rejected it only because the early pawn exchange simplified the position for a tactical engine.