English: Symmetrical, Botvinnik, 5...e6
English: Symmetrical
Definition
The Symmetrical English is the family of positions that arise after the opening moves 1. c4 c5, where Black mirrors White’s first move. Because both sides start with a c-pawn advance, the resulting structure is initially symmetrical, hence the name. It belongs to the broader English Opening (1. c4) and can transpose into a variety of other systems, from Hedgehog set-ups to Maroczy Bind structures.
Typical Move-Order & Branches
- Main starting point: 1. c4 c5.
- After 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nc3 Nc6, the position is still totally symmetrical (the “Four Knights” line).
- White can break the symmetry with pawn thrusts such as d2–d4, b2–b4 (the English Gambit), or with g2–g3 aiming for a fianchetto (leads to the Botvinnik System—see next section).
- If Black maintains symmetry too long, White often strikes first with d4 or b4, gaining space.
Strategic Themes
Although the pawn structure is initially identical, the struggle revolves around d4, e4, and b5.
- Breaks: White tries d2–d4 or b2–b4; Black counters with …d5, …b5, or the Hedgehog …d6/…b6/…e6 set-up.
- Piece Play: Knights often hop to d5/f5 for White or d4/f4 for Black. Light-squared bishops gain scope on the long diagonal after g2–g3 or …g7–g6.
- Delayed central commitment: Neither side has pushed a central pawn two squares, allowing flexible transpositions into the King’s Indian Defense, the Queen’s Gambit Accepted, or even reversed Sicilian lines.
Historical Significance
The Symmetrical English became fashionable in the 1970s when players like Ulf Andersson, Anatoly Karpov, and later Garry Kasparov used it to out-maneuver opponents in long strategic battles. Modern engines show that symmetrical positions contain rich hidden dynamics rather than being “drawish.”
Illustrative Game
Karpov – Andersson, Milan 1975, is a classic:
Karpov breaks the symmetry on move 7 with d4, seizing a space advantage and eventually converting a long endgame.
Interesting Facts
- Because it is a reversed Sicilian (White gets an extra tempo compared to playing Black in the Sicilian), many 1. e4 players feel at home in the Symmetrical English.
- In the 2018 World Championship rapid tiebreak, Carlsen used a Symmetrical English to outplay Caruana and retain the title.
Botvinnik (Botvinnik System in the English)
Definition
The Botvinnik System is a strategic set-up for White in the English Opening, named after the sixth World Champion Mikhail Botvinnik. Its trademark structure is:
- 1. c4 g6
2. g3 Bg7
3. Bg2 Nf6
4. Nc3 O-O
5. e4
White fianchettos the king’s bishop, parks pawns on c4–e4–g3, and often plays Nge2, d3, and f4, generating a powerful central & kingside presence.
Strategic Objectives
- Space Gain: The pawn on e4 claims territory and restricts …d5.
- Flexible Center: After d3 and f4, White decides when to open the position with f4-f5 or d3-d4.
- King Safety: Both kings are usually castled short, but White’s compact pawn shield on e4–f3–g3 is remarkably solid.
Historical Background
Mikhail Botvinnik introduced the idea in the 1950s as a way to obtain a Sicilian-in-reverse with an extra tempo. His laboratory-style preparation impressed contemporaries and was later adopted by World Champions Kasparov and Carlsen.
Model Game
Botvinnik – Portisch, Monaco 1969:
Botvinnik secured an enduring bind and won a technical ending.
Anecdotes
- Botvinnik reportedly analyzed the system in his legendary home laboratory for months before unveiling it in tournament play.
- When a young Garry Kasparov asked Botvinnik for advice in the 1970s, the Patriarch recommended mastering this exact structure to understand
the logic of central play.
Modern Usage
Top grandmasters deploy the Botvinnik System when they want a rich, unbalanced struggle without entering the theoretical maelstrom of mainline Sicilians or 1. e4 e5 battles.
5…e6
Definition
“5…e6” refers to Black’s fifth move …e7–e6 in a variety of openings. Most commonly it shows up in the Symmetrical English after:
1. c4 c5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nc3 Nc6 4. g3 g6 5. Bg2 e6
Purpose of the Move
- Solidifies d5: By placing the pawn on e6, Black can later break with …d5 under favorable circumstances.
- Frees the dark-squared bishop: From c5 or b4, the bishop gains activity after …d5 or …d6.
- Limits White’s e4 advance: The pawn on e6 covers the f5-square and reduces the bite of a future fianchettoed bishop on g2.
Transpositional Possibilities
The move can steer the game into:
- Hedgehog structures (…d6, …b6, …Bb7).
- Reversed Maroczy Bind positions if White plays d4 followed by cxd4 exd4.
- Nimzo-Indian-type setups when White’s knight lands on f3 and Black develops …Bb4.
Theoretical Status
Engines evaluate 5…e6 as one of Black’s most resilient choices—statistically on par with 5…d5 and 5…Bg7. The resulting positions are strategically rich and less forcing, allowing Black to out-maneuver opponents who are uncomfortable with slow play.
Example Continuation
Black has achieved a flexible Hedgehog-type set-up; the struggle revolves around the central break …d5 versus White’s pressure on d5 and b5.
Interesting Tidbits
- In Kasparov – Short, Candidates 1993 (Game 6), Kasparov chose 5…e6 and won a model Hedgehog game, later annotating it as a
lesson in controlled aggression.
- Because …e6 appears in virtually every opening repertoire (French, Queen’s Gambit Declined, Nimzo-Indian, Semi-Slav), many players feel at home after 5…e6 even if they rarely play the English as Black.