I think the 2 g3 english is slightly worse than the 2 Nc3 english as you kind of give away the setup you like to play.
This is because you are kind of forced to answer 1 c4 - e5 2. g3 Nf6 with Nc3 transposing into a mainline with fewer options to play for an advantage. The logical Bg2 runs into a favorable version of the keres variation after 3. .. c6 4. Nc3 - d5 and black is OK in the complications after 5 cxd5 - cxd5 6. Qb3 - Nc6 7. Nxd5 -Nd4 with compensation for the pawn.
2.g3 in the English Opening is no worse like you say. It would put the Bishop on g2 a nice view on the h1-a8 diagonal.
2.Nc3 is also possible trying to control the center. But I think the transposition of move to 2.g3 is much better (for me).
I did not say g3 was a blunder or a bad move. You just make it a little easier for a black player who knows what he is doing to equalize.
i didnt state it was better/worse than nc3, not really what I was looking for. Im more than happy with an equal position that I am likely to know well, 0.40 advantage doesnt make much of a difference at 1800 fide.
I did not say g3 was a blunder or a bad move. You just make it a little easier for a black player who knows what he is doing to equalize.
But a slightly worse right?
g3 makes it easier for black to play. He can choose the setup with Nf6 and c6 that is not as strong after Nc3.
White can still get advantage in that line but it is harder.
Sure that is possible to however the chances in that position are considered to be fairly equal if black plays Be7 (taking on c4 leads to a small advantage for white)
i have a friend who plays every time the 2.g3 and i can tell you that this is really annoying since it can cause problems at your queenside development ....in my opinion it's a gret2nd move.. however i have to agree that is indicates what kind of structure you are going to play ...at least at your kingside...i think the whole thing can transpose to KIA or even catalan after d4 or even the fianchetto lines of benko or benoni
Once again there is of course nothing wrong with 2. g3 black still has to equalize and white can still gain advantage.
However .. equalizing is a little easier for black because he already knows black is going to financetto his bishop giving him the extra posibility to play c6 (a move that is wrong if white plays the botvinnik variation of the english.
Also white has to be careful not to play standard moves. After 1. c4 e5 2.g3 Nf6 the logical Bg2 leads to a favorable variation of the Keres variation so white's best bet is 4. d4 as written by Anothony. However even in this variation black has good changes to equalize and the resulting position may not be a positiion English players like
so, I play the 2.g3 english and the english is obviously full of transpositional opportunities.
Looking through Avrukh's 1.d4 books, im struggling to find a point at which is will be a 'favourable' transposition. Can some knowledgeable people gives me an example or two, so I know what to look for?
Thanks