Here is a cute example game I had recently, not in the same exact line, but with the idea of playing the English without the fianchetto.
1. c4 e5 2. e3?!
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I started out playing that when I was rated like 1100 I stopped though because black can give white an isolated d pawn way too easily, which I guess isn't too bad but I hate playing with them.
what about this?
this makes e pawn either exchange or it is easy to pick off
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Just the most common thing I see. They try to grab space and I get the e or d pawn.
Jul 1, 2016
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#7
That last variation I have played before, It served me well until I got to about 1500, Then my opponents started to eat up my light squares and lack of development. But I think if you are good enough all of these systems are very playable. But that poor dark square bishop lol
i play c4 (black e5) e3 as white. then with QC2 and Bd3 i see myself aiming at h7 square where black king might be if kingside castling takes place. then with NF3 and NG5 combined with h4 if opponent doest take care properly, it could be a good checkmate. my level is 1060 right now. i have played this line a lot
Has anyone played this line before? I've been experimenting lately with playing the English opening without the g3 Bg2 fianchetto, and I've had some success with it, but the fact that almost no one at the top level makes me suspicious (although I did find an Ivanchuck game in this line).