Chessy
English Opening: Anglo-Indian Defense, Hedgehog System
After 1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e6, you are in a flexible English where White chooses the next direction. This drill helps you handle the position as Black, with the engine’s main answer, the most common white tries, and one important mistake to recognise. The position is not lost, but you do need to play accurately. Focus on solid development, good central timing, and meeting White’s next move without drifting into a passive setup.
Play the English Opening: Anglo-Indian Defense, Hedgehog System against the engine
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Create a free account →What the engine wants you to do
The engine’s best move here is e4, continuing e4 d5 cxd5 exd5. That tells you the central fight is immediate and important. As Black, you are not just waiting for White to decide; you need to answer actively and stay ready for the centre to open. In this kind of position, simple plans matter: contest the centre, develop smoothly, and keep your king safe while White chooses a setup.
What the numbers say about this position
Stockfish rates this +0.29, a small edge for White. That means you are slightly worse here. The database also shows this is a very well-tested position, with 1,794,913 games at this exact point. White wins 49.9%, draws 4.2%, and Black wins 45.8%, so the position is playable for you, but White has a modest statistical edge.
The most common replies from White
White has several natural ways to continue, and the database shows a clear preference for calm central or kingside development. The most-played continuations are:
- g3 — 592,629 games, White scores 50.2%
- d4 — 311,737 games, White scores 49.5%
- e4 — 281,552 games, White scores 52.2%
- Nf3 — 259,356 games, White scores 49.9%
- e3 — 153,404 games, White scores 48.7%
- d3 — 110,458 games, White scores 47.7%
You do not need to memorise all of these as long as you understand the idea: White is choosing a setup, and you should be ready to challenge the centre when the moment comes.
A mistake to watch for
One known mistake is d3. It is marked as an inaccuracy and loses about 0.6 pawns; the better move was e4. That is a useful reminder that slow, quiet development can let Black equalise more comfortably if you respond correctly. In the drill, look for the moment when White has chosen a plan that does not pressure you enough, and do not waste the chance to claim the centre.
Results across 1,794,913 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| g3 | 592,629 | 50.2% |
| d4 | 311,737 | 49.5% |
| e4 | 281,552 | 52.2% |
| Nf3 | 259,356 | 49.9% |
| e3 | 153,404 | 48.7% |
| d3 | 110,458 | 47.7% |
Frequently asked questions
What opening is this after 1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e6?
This is the English Opening: Anglo-Indian Defense, Hedgehog System. In this lesson page, you are playing Black from the position after 1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e6.
Is the position good for Black here?
Not quite. Stockfish gives **+0.29**, a small edge for White, so you are slightly worse. The position is still practical, but you need to answer White’s plans accurately.
What is the best move for Black in this position?
The engine’s best move is **e4**, with the continuation **e4 d5 cxd5 exd5**. That highlights the importance of central play in this position.
Which white move should I know about most in the drill?
The most-played white move is **g3**, with **592,629 games**. Other common choices are **d4**, **e4**, **Nf3**, **e3**, and **d3**, so you should be ready for a range of setups.
How many games feature the English Opening: Anglo-Indian Defense, Hedgehog System?
Over 2 million Lichess games have reached the English Opening: Anglo-Indian Defense, Hedgehog System position. White wins 49.9%, Black wins 45.8%, with 4.2% draws — based on real rated games.