Anglo-Slav Variation

This branch of the Anglo-Slav Variation is reached via 1. c4. White combines g3 with 4. b3 and prepares to fianchetto both bishops against Black's Slav-style ...c6 and ...d5, keeping the d-pawn back. Black usually develops the light-squared bishop outside the pawn chain. 4...Bf5, the London Defensive System, is the most common reply, followed by 4...Bg4, the Torre System. 4...g6 and 4...dxc4 are the alternatives. The engine rates the position as balanced, and practical results are close.