FENrnbqkbnr/pppp1ppp/4p3/8/8/7N/PPPPPPPP/RNBQKB1R w KQkq -
Amar Opening: what should White play?
Best move
g3-0.14
By playing g3, you are preparing to fianchetto your f1 to the g2 square. This creates a powerful long-range influence over the center and provides a safe home for your King after…
- Games played
- 78K
- To move
- White
- Evaluation
- -0.14
- Depth
- 22
Game counts: Lichess opening book. Move ranking and evaluation: Stockfish. How this page is built
Why g3 is the best move
g3! — Excellent Choice!
✅ One of 3 top moves — you found a high-level strategy that most players miss!
Why this move is excellent:
By playing g3, you are preparing to fianchetto your f1 to the g2 square. This creates a powerful long-range influence over the center and provides a safe home for your King after castling. While 71% of humans retreat with Ng1, you chose a proactive development plan!
Multiple Valid Strategies
This position is unique because it offers three distinct, high-quality paths. You found the best one, but all three are strategically sound:
| Move | Eval | Style / Strategic Idea |
|---|---|---|
| g3 | -0.14 | Positional: Prepares the King's Indian setup and solidifies the kingside. |
| c3 | -0.29 | Solid: Controls d4 and prepares a sturdy pawn chain in the center. |
| e4 | -0.29 | Aggressive: Fights for central space immediately and opens lines for the Queen. |
Different paths, same destination: Whether you prefer the hypermodern pressure of g3, the rock-solid structure of c3, or the classical central control of e4, you are in great shape. All three moves maintain the balance and prepare for a complex middlegame.
Your Continuation
After g3:
Nf6 Bg2 d5 O-O h6
What Made This Move Good
You correctly saw: That the h3 isn't just misplaced; it's a tool to support a kingside fianchetto. Instead of admitting defeat and moving the knight back to g1, you used the extra tempo to build a strong defensive "house" for your King.
📚 Takeaway: When you have multiple "best" moves, choose the one that fits your style. You found a move played by 0% of average players—great job thinking outside the box!
What else gets played here
Move choices from 78K games in the opening book, with the engine's evaluation of each.
| Move | Evaluation | Played | Games | White score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| g3Engine pick | -0.14 | 61K | 54% | |
| e4 | -0.29 | 8.0K | 44% | |
| e3 | -0.37 | 5.5K | 42% | |
| d4 | -0.38 | 3.6K | 48% | |
| c3 | -0.29 | 0 | — |
More positions in the Amar Opening
All Amar Opening positions →Frequently asked questions
What is the best move for White in the Amar Opening?
g3 (-0.14). By playing g3, you are preparing to fianchetto your f1 to the g2 square. This creates a powerful long-range influence over the center and provides a safe home for your King after…
Why is g3 the best move here?
By playing g3, you are preparing to fianchetto your f1 to the g2 square. This creates a powerful long-range influence over the center and provides a safe home for your King after castling. While 71% of humans retreat with Ng1, you chose a proactive development plan!
How often does this position occur?
This position has been reached 78K times in the opening book.