English: 1...b6 2.Nf3 Bb7

English: 1...b6 2.Nf3 Bb7

Definition

This line arises from the English Opening after 1. c4 b6 2. Nf3 Bb7. Black immediately fianchettos the queen’s bishop on b7, aiming at the central and kingside dark squares, especially e4 and g2. It is a flexible, hypermodern setup that can transpose into Queen’s Indian–style positions or Hedgehog structures, while remaining firmly within the English Opening family. See also: English Opening, Transposition, Theory.

Move order and usage

The baseline move order is:

1. c4 b6 2. Nf3 Bb7.

From here, White has several natural choices: 3. g3 and 4. Bg2 to contest the long diagonal, 3. d4 to seize central space, or a positional approach with 3. Nc3, 3. e3, or even a double-fianchetto (b3, Bb2). Black remains flexible with ...e6, ...Nf6, ...Be7, ...0-0, and the timely breaks ...c5 or ...d5.

Strategic ideas for Black

• Dark-square control: The b7-bishop eyes e4 and g2. If White allows an early e2–e4, Black tries to undermine it with ...Bb4, ...Bb4+, or ...c5/...d5 strikes.
• Flexible pawn breaks: Choose between ...c5 (pressuring the c-file and d4) or ...d5 (challenging the center directly). Both plans often follow ...e6 and ...Nf6.
• Sound development: A typical setup is ...e6, ...Nf6, ...Be7, ...0-0, then ...c5 or ...d5. Against a kingside fianchetto, ...d6, ...a6, ...Qc7 can lead to a compact Hedgehog formation.
• Piece play: ...Bb4 can pin Nc3 in QID-style structures; ...Ne4 can be a resource to simplify or provoke weaknesses if White has played Nc3 and e3.

Strategic ideas for White

• Central expansion: 3. d4 and sometimes e2–e4 (after proper preparation) seize space and challenge the b7-bishop. White often aims for a stable center with c4–d4 supported by Nf3, Nc3, and e3 or g3.
• Long diagonal control: 3. g3 and 4. Bg2 directly meet ...Bb7, neutralizing its influence and preparing 0-0 and typical English pressure on the queenside and center.
• Queenside play: Use b2–b4, Rb1, and a2–a4 to gain space and prepare cxd5/c5 ideas. If Black plays ...c5, a Maroczy-like bind (with e2–e4) can restrict Black’s breaks.
• Outposts and files: A knight on e5 or d5 can be a powerful outpost, especially after exchanges that leave holes. The semi-open c- or d-files are frequent avenues for rooks. See: Outpost, Open file.

Typical pawn structures

• Queen’s Indian–type: After 3. d4 e6 4. Nc3 Nf6 5. g3 Be7 6. Bg2 0-0, Black can aim for ...d5 or ...c5; White keeps a healthy space edge with c4–d4.
• Hedgehog shell: 3. g3 e6 4. Bg2 Nf6 5. 0-0 Be7 6. Nc3 0-0 7. d4 d6 with ...a6, ...Nbd7, ...Qc7, ...c5 coming later. The position is solid, rich in Practical chances for both sides.
• Symmetrical English: If White avoids d4 and Black plays ...c5 early, structures with c4/c5 and e3/e6 can arise; maneuvering and piece activity decide.

Common transpositions

• To Queen’s Indian themes after d2–d4 and Nc3, especially when Black plays ...e6, ...Nf6, and ...Bb4.
• To Hedgehog setups with ...e6, ...d6, ...a6, ...Nbd7, ...Qc7, and ...c5 against a kingside fianchetto.
• To various English symmetrical or asymmetrical lines if Black chooses an early ...c5 before committing the kingside pieces.

Representative example lines

Solid Hedgehog-style development:

More direct central challenge:

Theoretical status and evaluation

The line is considered sound and reliably playable for Black. Engines often give White a small edge due to space (+0.10 to +0.30 in many positions), but the flexible nature of Black’s setup offers excellent counterplay and numerous transpositional resources. It’s a practical choice to sidestep heavy Book battles and steer the game into middlegames with rich ideas and balanced Practical chances. See also: Engine eval, Book move, Home prep.

Typical tactics, traps, and motifs

• Pressure on the long diagonal: ...Bxf3 and ...Qf6 (or ...Qe7) can target b2/e2 if White is careless with development.
• The ...Bb4 pin: After d4 and Nc3, ...Bb4 can be an annoying pin; be aware of tactics involving ...Ne4 or ...c5 when the pin intensifies pressure on c3/d4.
• Central breaks: Timed ...c5 or ...d5 can open lines for b7–bishop tactics down to g2 and for rook activity on c- and d-files.
• LPDO alert: With multiple minor pieces shuffling behind pawn chains, LPDO (Loose Pieces Drop Off) tactics appear—watch for double attacks on c4/c2/e2.

Model game pointers

Elite players have employed ...b6/...Bb7 setups against the English to reach Queen’s Indian or Hedgehog structures. Games by Ulf Andersson, Vladimir Kramnik, and Levon Aronian contain instructive examples of piece placement, central timing with ...c5 or ...d5, and the b7–g2 diagonal dynamics. When studying, focus on plans rather than memorizing long forcing lines.

Practical tips

• For Black: Don’t rush the break. Complete development and choose ...c5 or ...d5 based on White’s setup. If White plays g3/Bg2, consider Hedgehog plans; if White goes d4 early, think QID-style with ...Bb4, ...d5, or ...c5.
• For White: Meet ...Bb7 with harmonized development (Nf3, g3, Bg2, 0-0). Decide early whether to occupy the center with d4/e4 or to play a slower squeeze with b4, Rb1, and pressure along the b- and c-files.
• Move-order awareness: After 1. c4 b6 2. Nf3 Bb7 3. d4, Black’s reply ...e6 keeps options open; ...Nf6 can transpose widely. Study a few key branches, not just single “best” lines.

SEO quick facts

• Also known as: English Opening with Black’s queenside fianchetto; an Owen’s-style setup versus 1. c4.
• Core themes: hypermodern control, long-diagonal tension (b7–g2), timely central breaks, transpositional flexibility.
• Typical plans: For Black—...e6, ...Nf6, ...Be7, ...0-0 with ...c5 or ...d5. For White—g3, Bg2, 0-0; or d4 with space; queenside expansion with b4.

Visualization aid

The b7–g2 diagonal is the strategic backbone of this opening battle:

Interesting note

Many players adopt this setup specifically to avoid the heaviest English theory while keeping enough flexibility to outplay opponents later. It’s a favorite of solid positional players who enjoy maneuvering before striking with a well-timed ...c5 or ...d5 break.

Optional trend peek

Popularity of English systems in club Rapid over time: