English Opening: Symmetrical Variation, Ultra-Symmetrical Variation
ECO A36
Move order
1. c4 c5 2. g3 g6 3. Bg2 Bg7 4. Nc3 Nc6
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.