King's English: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.e3 Bb4
English Opening – King’s English Variation, 1.c4 e5 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.e3 Bb4
Definition
The line 1.c4 e5 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.e3 Bb4 is a sub-variation of the King’s English, arising from the English Opening. After White’s quiet third move (3.e3), Black pins the knight with 3…Bb4, aiming to increase central tension and seize space. The position blends themes from the English, the Four Knights and even the Nimzo-Indian, making it a flexible and strategically rich system for both sides.
Typical Move Order
Standard moves reach the tabiya:
- 1.c4 e5 (Black stakes a claim in the centre.)
- 2.Nc3 Nf6 (Develops and eyes d5 and e4.)
- 3.e3 Bb4 (Pins the knight and targets d2–d4 breaks.)
Alternatives exist at nearly every turn—e.g. 3…d5 or 3…Nc6—but 3…Bb4 gives Black immediate pressure while avoiding early theoretical theory bombs.
Strategic Ideas
- For White
- Prepare d2–d4 to challenge the e5 pawn and liberate the bishop on c1.
- Maintain a healthy pawn structure; avoid doubled c-pawns after …Bxc3.
- Use the semi-open c-file for pressure if Black castles short.
- For Black
- Exploit the pin on c3 to hinder d2–d4 and threaten …d5 breaks.
- Choose whether to exchange on c3 (giving White the bishop pair but saddling doubled pawns) or retreat the bishop to e7/c5.
- If White plays g3 and Bg2, consider kingside expansion with …f5.
Key Squares & Tactical Motifs
- d4 & e4 – central outposts determining which side seizes the initiative.
- Pin Tactics – …Bxc3 followed by …d5 or …e4 can win material if White is careless.
- c-file pressure – After potential exchanges on c3, the half-open file can become a major highway for rooks.
Illustrative Game
Short – Lautier, Linares 1992 (annotated) is a classical model. Jonathan Short calmly accepted doubled c-pawns and used the two bishops to engineer a central breakthrough, illustrating White’s latent dynamism even after the structural concession.
Historical Notes
The King’s English rose to prominence in the 1970s with players like Anthony Miles and Ulf Andersson. The specific pin-line with 3…Bb4 has never been mainline theory, but it remains a practical weapon: easy to learn, hard to meet over-the-board. Modern elite usage is sporadic—often as a surprise choice to sidestep heavy 1.e4 or 1.d4 preparation.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Because the position resembles a Nimzo-English Hybrid, some databases classify it under both A21 and E20 codes.
- Grandmaster Baadur Jobava once essayed 4.Nge2!? against 3…Bb4 and followed with g3 and Bg2, keeping all minor pieces on the board and out-maneuvering his opponent in 2014.
- Engines evaluate the line near equality, but practical results slightly favour Black (≈53 %) because many White players are uncomfortable defending an early pin.
Practical Tips
- If you play White, memorize one crisp plan (e.g. 4.Nge2, 5.a3, 6.d4) so you can blitz out moves and save time for the middlegame.
- If you play Black, decide beforehand whether you prefer the structural damage (…Bxc3) or the flexible retreat (…Be7), as dithering can cost tempo.