English Opening: Symmetrical Variation, Duchamp Variation
ECO A38
Move order
1. c4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. g3 Bg7 4. Bg2 O-O 5. O-O c5 6. Nc3 Nc6 7. d3
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.