Chessy
English Opening: Agincourt Defense, Kurajica Defense for Black
After 1.c4 e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 c6, you reach a solid but slightly awkward position for Black. The structure is familiar, but White has a bit more freedom and the engine already leans their way. This lesson is built around the exact position you will face in the drill: how to react to White’s most natural ideas, what the engine wants, and which move you should not rush into. Play the position a few times and you will start to feel where Black’s counterplay comes from.
Play the English Opening: Agincourt Defense, Kurajica Defense against the engine
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Jump into the drill and practise this exact position against the engine. Create a free account and start building your feel for the plans as Black.
Create a free account →A small edge for White, so stay precise
Stockfish rates this +0.36, a small edge for White. That means you are slightly worse here.
This is not a disaster, but it does mean Black should play with care. Your job is to keep the position compact, avoid drifting into passive moves, and look for simple development and central counterplay. The opening is healthy enough to play, but White begins with the more comfortable side of the structure.
What the engine wants you to face
The engine’s best move is Bg2, and the main continuation shown is Bg2 dxc4 a4 Nd7. That tells you what White is trying to do: finish development cleanly and keep the position flexible.
As Black, you should expect White to build steadily rather than force tactics immediately. A good practical response is to stay alert to central tension and be ready to answer White’s smooth development without falling behind in piece activity.
What the database says happens most often
Across 27,882 games at this exact position, White wins 53.3%, draws 4.7%, and Black wins 42.0%. Those numbers back up the engine’s warning: White scores better here, even though Black still gets plenty of playable games.
The most-played continuations are Bg2 with 15,449 games, cxd5 with 6,419 games, b3 with 3,363 games, d4 with 1,011 games, Qc2 with 453 games, and e3 with 381 games. So you should expect White to choose one of a few very natural developing moves.
The move to know, and the one to avoid
Qc2 is listed as an inaccuracy and it loses about 0.5 pawns; better was Bg2. That is useful for your drill, because it tells you that White has a clear, simple move that keeps the pressure up, while some side ideas drift a little.
For Black, the practical lesson is to meet White’s calm setup with calm defence of your own. Do not waste time chasing ghosts; keep your pieces coordinated and be ready for the position White actually wants.
Results across 27,882 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| Bg2 | 15,449 | 54.5% |
| cxd5 | 6,419 | 49.4% |
| b3 | 3,363 | 56.9% |
| d4 | 1,011 | 56.5% |
| Qc2 | 453 | 52.1% |
| e3 | 381 | 45.9% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the English Opening: Agincourt Defense, Kurajica Defense good for Black?
It is playable, but the current position gives White a small edge. Stockfish rates it +0.36, so you should expect to work a little harder for equality. The good news is that the position is still very much a real game, not a forced loss.
What should I expect White to play here?
The most common continuation is Bg2, and the engine also recommends it. Other common choices include cxd5, b3, d4, Qc2, and e3. White is usually aiming for smooth development rather than an early tactical fight.
What is the main engine continuation after Bg2?
The engine line given is Bg2 dxc4 a4 Nd7. You do not need to memorise a long forcing sequence, but you should recognise that White’s most natural move keeps the game flexible. Black needs to stay coordinated and respond to that plan.
What is the biggest mistake to avoid for White in this position?
Qc2 is marked as an inaccuracy and it loses about 0.5 pawns. Better was Bg2. That makes Bg2 the key move you should expect, both in the drill and in practical games.
How many games feature the English Opening: Agincourt Defense, Kurajica Defense?
Over 27K Lichess games have reached the English Opening: Agincourt Defense, Kurajica Defense position. White wins 53.3%, Black wins 42.0%, with 4.7% draws — based on real rated games.