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    Chess Openings

    English Opening

    1.c4 · ECO A10

    English Opening position after 1.c4. White: pawn on c4, pawn on a2, pawn on b2, pawn on d2, pawn on e2, pawn on f2, pawn on g2, pawn on h2, rook on a1, knight on b1, bishop on c1, queen on d1, king on e1, bishop on f1, knight on g1, rook on h1. Black: rook on a8, knight on b8, bishop on c8, queen on d8, king on e8, bishop on f8, knight on g8, rook on h8, pawn on a7, pawn on b7, pawn on c7, pawn on d7, pawn on e7, pawn on f7, pawn on g7, pawn on h7.

    English Opening is a chess opening that arises after 1.c4. It is classified A10 in the ECO system, and the position after these moves has black to move. The English Opening starts with 1.c4, controlling d5 from the flank rather than occupying the centre with a pawn. It is one of the four most common first moves and is prized for its flexibility, transposing readily into queen's pawn openings or keeping an independent character.

    Strategic character

    Strategic and slow-building. Common structures include the Reversed Sicilian, where White plays the Sicilian with an extra tempo, and the Symmetrical English after 1...c5. Fianchettos and long manoeuvring are typical.

    Who should play it

    Positional players who like flexible systems and are comfortable in structures where the plan is not decided in the first ten moves.

    Variations continuing from this position

    Each of these is a named opening reached by playing on from 1.c4. Open any of them to load the position on the board.

    Frequently asked questions

    What is the English Opening?
    The English Opening is a chess opening that arises after 1.c4. It is classified A10 in the ECO system. The English Opening starts with 1.c4, controlling d5 from the flank rather than occupying the centre with a pawn. It is one of the four most common first moves and is prized for its flexibility, transposing readily into queen's pawn openings or keeping an independent character.
    What are the moves of the English Opening?
    1.c4. After these moves it is black to move.
    Is the English Opening good for beginners?
    Positional players who like flexible systems and are comfortable in structures where the plan is not decided in the first ten moves.
    What variations come from the English Opening?
    Named continuations include English Opening: Agincourt Defense, English Opening: Anglo-Dutch Defense, English Opening: Anglo-Indian Defense, English Opening: Anglo-Lithuanian Variation, English Opening: Anglo-Scandinavian Defense. There are 40 named variations reachable from this position in total.

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