St. George Defence

St. George Defence

Definition

The St. George Defence is an unorthodox reply to 1. e4 that begins with the pawn move 1…a6. Black usually follows with …b5, fianchettoing the queen’s bishop and placing immediate lateral pressure on the e4–pawn. The opening is sometimes written “St. George’s Defence” and is classified in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO) under code B00.

Typical Move-Order

The most common sequence is:

• 1. e4 a6 (the hallmark move)
• 2. d4 b5 (Black grabs queenside space and prepares …Bb7)
• 3. Nf3 Bb7 (pressure on e4 begins)
• 4. Bd3 e6 or 4…Nf6 (depending on taste; Black often plays …c5 later)

Other transpositions are possible—e.g. 1. e4 a6 2. c4 b5 (entering a Benko-style structure) or 1. d4 a6 2. c4 b5 (sometimes called the “Polish” or “Orang-Utan” variation).

Strategic Ideas

• Queenside Space: The early …a6 and …b5 seize space on the queenside and discourage White from castling long.
• Delayed Center Contest: Black often refrains from occupying the center immediately, instead hitting it with pieces and flank pawns (…c5 or …e6).
• Flexible Pawn Structure: By keeping central pawns at home, Black can choose between …d6, …e6, or even …f5 depending on White’s setup.
• Psychological Weapon: The defence surprises opponents who rely on mainstream theory, forcing them to think on their own from move one.

Historical & Anecdotal Notes

The opening’s modern nickname comes from English GM Tony Miles, who used it to defeat World Champion Anatoly Karpov at Skara (1980) in a celebrated upset. Its association with “St. George” derives from Miles’s quip that he was “slaying the dragon,” referencing both England’s patron saint and the famed Sicilian Dragon. Earlier precursors date back to the 19th century—Howard Staunton tried 1…a6 occasionally—but Miles’s victory put the system on the map.

Another tireless advocate is IM Michael Basman, known for his love of eccentric openings (e.g. the Grob and the Borg). Basman published pamphlets and analyses that helped codify the St. George’s main lines.

Famous Example Game

Karpov vs. Miles, Skara (European Team Championship), 1980. Black’s provocative opening eventually out-maneuvered the World Champion.

The complete score runs 48 moves; Black eventually advanced his queenside majority to clinch the full point.

Illustrative Miniature

The following 15-move crush shows what can happen if White overextends:

Black’s pieces flood the light squares, and mate on Qh1 or Qh2 looms.

Practical Tips

1. Against 2.c4: Play 2…b5 3.cxb5 axb5 4.Bxb5 Bb7, accepting the gambit pawn for quick development.
2. Versus 2.Nf3 or 3.a4: Meet the a-pawn advance with …b4, gaining tempi and undermining the knight on c3 once it appears.
3. Avoid Passive Set-ups: Do not let the queenside pawns become fixed targets; aim for …c5 breaks.
4. Study Staunton Gambit Ideas: After 1.e4 a6 2.d4 b5 3.Nf3 Bb7 4.Bd3 e6 5.0-0 c5, Black’s play resembles a reversed Benoni—learn typical piece placements.

Interesting Facts

• The opening has no governing body of theory, so engines and personal preparation matter more than memorization.
• It occasionally transposes to the Polish Defence (1…b5) or even a reversed Benko Gambit down a tempo.
• Because the a-pawn advances on move one, some blitz specialists call it the “A-Bomb.”
• GM Hikaru Nakamura toyed with 1…a6 in bullet games online, sparking renewed curiosity among younger players.

When to Use It

The St. George is ideal for:

• Players who crave asymmetrical, offbeat struggles.
• Rapid or blitz events where surprise value is paramount.
• Those comfortable defending slightly passive positions before counter-attacking.

Conclusion

Though rarely seen at top-flight classical chess, the St. George Defence is a legitimate, flexible flank system with rich counter-attacking possibilities. It rewards creativity, courage, and a sound understanding of pawn breaks over rote memorization of mainstream theory.