St. George Defense
ECO B00 · 1. e4 a6
The St. George Defense, 1.e4 a6, is an eccentric reply that prepares ...b5 and ...Bb7. It became famous after Tony Miles used it to beat world champion Anatoly Karpov in 1980.
Plans for White
White occupies the center with d4, c4 or Nc3 and develops normally, aiming to show that Black's flank moves cost time. A quick c4 to prevent ...b5 is a popular approach.
Plans for Black
Black expands on the queenside with ...b5, puts the bishop on b7 and challenges the center later with ...c5 or ...e6 and ...d5. The setup can resemble a delayed French or Sicilian.
Typical pawn structures
Hypermodern: White's big center against Black's flexible queenside pawns and long-diagonal bishop.
Who it suits
Creative, surprise-oriented players who want to avoid theory from move one.
Common traps
Black must not neglect development: quick central breaks by White, such as d4-d5 or e4-e5, can open lines toward Black's king while Black's pieces are still on the queenside. White, in turn, should not overextend chasing the bishop on b7.
Variations
- St. George Defense: Zilbermints Gambit — 1. e4 a6 2. d4 e5
- St. George Defense: Polish Variation — 1. e4 a6 2. d4 b5 3. Nf3 Bb7 4. Bd3 e6
- St. George Defense: San Jorge Variation — 1. e4 a6 2. d4 b5 3. Nf3 Bb7 4. Bd3 d6 5. O-O g6 6. c3 Bg7