English Opening: Symmetrical Variation
ECO A34
Move order
1. c4 c5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nc3 Nc6 4. g3 d5 5. d4 cxd4
Ideas
ECO A covers irregular and flank openings—systems that skip the main e4/d4 fight early. White controls d5 without committing the d-pawn—the English family. This entry tracks a longer branch in the opening tree. Use the diagram and SAN list to recognize the tabiya, then try the line against Maia to explore typical plans in practice.