English Opening: Symmetrical

1.c4 e6 2.Nf3 c5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.g3 b6 5.Bg2 Bb7 6.O-O Be7 7.d4 cxd4 8.Qxd4 d6 9.Rd1 a6 10.b3 Nbd7 · ECO A30 · White to move

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What English Opening: Symmetrical puts on the board

Material is level, with white to move.

No pawn occupies d4, e4, d5 or e5, so the central pawn structure is still fluid.

White has castled kingside; Black can still castle either side.

The c-file is half-open for Black, giving that side a natural pressure lane.

Reference links and alternate move orders