The English Opening: Botvinnik System
1.c4 Nf6 2.g3 g6 3.Bg2 Bg7 4.Nc3 0-0 5.d3 d6
This is often called the Botvinnik System and it’s very popular among amateurs who are looking for something that’s easy to learn but also has a good deal of bite. The idea is to grab central space and take advantage of black’s …Nf6, which blocks his f-pawn. Since White hasn’t moved his g1-Knight yet (it will almost always move to e2), he’s free to play f2-f4 and seek a kingside attack with a later f4-f5. On top of that possibility, White can also grab the whole center at some point with d3-d4, or play on the queenside by Rb1 followed by b2-b4-b5.
It’s interesting to note that after 1.c4 c5 2.g3 g6 3.Bg2 Bg7 4.Nc3 Nc6 5.Nf3 one of black’s most respected lines is 5…e5, playing the Botvinnik System with a tempo less!
Games played using Botvinnik
The Following Games are with my colleague, D.C. Rising Chess phenomenon Zahir Muhammad
Lessons from English Opening: Botvinnik System~
* The Botvinnik System leads to an interesting game which offers mutual chances. The side that knows this opening’s ideas better will usually come out on top.
* When you have the initiative in a sharp, dangerous position, the correct move is usually also sharp. A quiet move that doesn’t have much to do with the soul of the position often gives the defender just enough time to set his house in order.
* There is no shame in botching an extremely complex tactical minefield. Grandmasters blow such positions all the time, and you will too!
*The beauty of this opening is developed during the middle game where White slowly develops pieces and solidifies its defense against from any possible counter-attacks & counter-plays.
