Key ideas
- The bishop on g2 controls the long diagonal and the e4 and d5 squares. Most games continue with Bg2, Nf3, O-O and either c4 or d3 and e4.
- Against 1...d5 2.Bg2, Black's setups are named after the openings they resemble: the Slav Formation (2...c6), the Catalan Formation (2...e6) and the Reversed Modern Defense (2...c5).
- 1...e5 lets Black build a full centre with ...d5. White can attack it with 2.Nf3, as in the Reversed Alekhine, or play d3, c4 and Nc3 for a reversed King's Indian or English structure.
Plans for White
Complete the fianchetto and castle, then choose a central break: c4 for English-type play, or d3 and e4 for a King's Indian Attack structure. Pressure on the long diagonal is the common thread.
Plans for Black
Take the centre with ...d5 and ...e5, or blunt the g2 bishop with ...c6 and a solid ...d5. Developing the light-squared bishop to f5 or g4 before ...e6 avoids a passive position.