Chessy
English Opening: Anglo-Indian Defense, Queen's Knight Variation — 3.g3
After 1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 c5, you reach a solid, flexible setup that avoids the most heavily analysed paths of 1.e4. By playing 3.g3 you fianchetto your light-squared bishop, aiming to control the centre from a distance while keeping your options open. The engine evaluates this position at +0.24 — a tiny edge for you as White, meaning the game is essentially level but your position is healthy and free of weaknesses. In the drill below you'll face Black's most common replies and learn how to maintain that slight pressure. More than a quarter-million games have reached this exact position, so you are standing on well-trodden ground.
Play the English Opening: Anglo-Indian Defense, Queen's Knight Variation: c5 against the engine
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Set up the position and test yourself: play through Black's most popular replies in the interactive drill below. Create a free account to track your progress in
Create a free account →What you're fighting for
The idea behind 3.g3 is straightforward: you don't commit your d-pawn to d4 immediately. Instead you prepare to develop the bishop to g2, where it eyes the centre and the queenside. This set-up is deliberately flexible — you can later play d4 or expand on the queenside with b3 and Bb2, depending on how Black responds. The statistics back the approach: across 286,248 games White scores 52.4% and avoids any losing bias. The Stockfish evaluation of +0.24 confirms you are slightly better, not worse. In practical terms that means you can play this line without needing to memorise endless theory, and you will often outplay opponents who misjudge the quiet pace.
The engine's preferred follow-up
If you're wondering what the computer wants next: after 3.g3 the engine recommends d5, meeting Black's ...c5 with a central strike. The full continuation runs d5 cxd5 Nxd5 and then Bg2. This breaks open the centre on your terms, and the knight on d5 is well placed. You do not need to play d5 automatically in every game — the statistics show that Black has several reasonable replies to 3.g3 — but knowing the engine likes this central approach gives you a reliable starting point when you want to seize space.
How to handle Black's most popular replies
Black's most common move is Nc6 (82,613 games), where your score is 52.2%. The natural plan is to finish development: Bg2, then O-O, and decide later about d4. Against e6 (60,769 games, you score 51.7%) Black signals a Hedgehog or a French-style set-up — again, develop calmly and watch for the d4 break. The third most popular move is g6 (46,112 games, your score 50.6%), hinting at a King's Indian Reversed or a Grünfeld-style approach. Here your bishop on g2 will work well against Black's fianchetto. d5 (35,889 games, you score 51.6%) and d6 (26,068 games, you score 53.2%) are solid but slightly passive. The most punishing reply you can face is e5 (22,332 games), where your score jumps to 56.9% — Black's central expansion leaves weaknesses you can target with d3 and eventual pressure on the long diagonal.
The typical middlegame you'll reach
Whichever path Black chooses, the middlegame tends to revolve around piece play and subtle pawn breaks rather than sharp tactical brawls. Your bishop on g2 radiates along the h1-a8 diagonal, often pinning Black's d-pawn or pressuring the queenside. If Black plays ...d5, the centre may simplify into a symmetrical structure where your better development matters. If Black plays ...e6 or ...g6, you can aim for b3 and Bb2 to create a double fianchetto, or switch to a d4 break if the moment is right. The key is patience: this opening rewards understanding over memorisation, and the engine's assessment (+0.24) tells you that nothing is wrong with your position — just keep improving your pieces.
Results across 286,248 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| Nc6 | 82,613 | 52.2% |
| e6 | 60,769 | 51.7% |
| g6 | 46,112 | 50.6% |
| d5 | 35,889 | 51.6% |
| d6 | 26,068 | 53.2% |
| e5 | 22,332 | 56.9% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the English Opening Anglo-Indian Defense Queen's Knight Variation good for beginners?
Yes — the position after 3.g3 is solid and you score 52.4% across 286,248 games. The line avoids early tactical complications and relies on simple development and flexible plans. It's an excellent choice if you want to build a reliable opening repertoire without heavy memorisation.
What is Black's best reply to 3.g3?
Statistically the most popular move is Nc6 (82,613 games), but Black's best scoring option is e5, where your win rate jumps to 56.9% — meaning Black's aggressive central push actually plays into your hands. There is no reply that seriously threatens White; all of Black's main options score below 44% for Black.
Should I always play d5 after 3.g3?
The engine recommends d5 as the top computer move, but you do not have to play it every game. The statistics show you score above 51% against every common Black reply, so developing with Bg2 and O-O is perfectly fine. Use d5 when you want to open the centre; keep it closed if you prefer a slower strategic fight.
How do I win against the ...g6 set-up?
When Black plays 3...g6, you score 50.6% — still a slight edge. Fianchetto your bishop to g2 and watch the long diagonal. Black will often try to play ...Bg7 and ...O-O, leaving the d6-pawn a potential target. Avoid rushing; a well-timed d4 or b3 can give you lasting pressure against Black's kingside.