Chess Opening Theory/1. c4/1...c5

= English Opening - Symmetrical Variation=

1...c5
The Symmetrical Variation. Play varies greatly depending on how White chooses to develop, for instance 2. Nf3 signals that White will try to achieve a favourable break with the d-pawn immediately and Black can then try to impede this break and achieve his own immediate d-pawn break. 2. Nc3 on the other hand makes it harder for Black to achieve that pawn break and signals White´s intention to develop first and then break the symmetry. For instance, common moves for White in this variation include g3, Bg2, e4, Nge2, d3, and O-O (the arising white pawn structure is called the Botvinnik system) with the idea of a pawn break on f4, b4, or even d4. White may also play e3 instead of e4 and once the knight gets to e2 the pawn break on d4 becomes a very attractive possibility.