Theoria
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English Opening

Symmetrical Variation, Hedgehog Defense

A30positionalsolid

  1. 1.c4e6
  2. 2.Nf3Nf6
  3. 3.Nc3c5
  4. 4.g3b6
  5. 5.Bg2Bb7
  6. 6.O-OBe7
865 games51%40%

Symmetrical English line where Black sets up ...b6, ...Bb7, ...e6 and ...Be7, aiming for a cramped but resilient Hedgehog with ...b5 and ...d5 breaks.

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About the Hedgehog Defense

This is the Symmetrical English line where the Hedgehog formation first took shape. Black fianchettoes on the queenside, develops with ...Be7 and holds the d-pawn back. Against the most popular reply, 7. d4, Black usually trades on d4 and then sets pawns on a6, b6, d6 and e6. The position is cramped but has few weaknesses, and Black's counterplay depends on the breaks ...b5 and ...d5. White also tries 7. Re1 or 7. b3. The engine gives White a slight edge.

Popular continuations