English Opening

ECO A10–A39 White's opening Advanced

White opens with 1.c4. Instead of occupying the center at once, White controls it from the side. Many different structures can follow, so it rewards understanding of plans.

Black

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White

Explanation

Game Moves

#	White	Black
1	c4

Aim

Use the c4 pawn to control d5, and add Nc3, g3 and Bg2 to control the center from the side. The bishop on the long diagonal aims all the way toward b7.

Watch out for

Because White does not occupy the center, Black can grab it with ...e5 or ...d5. Do not rush; choose a plan that fits Black's setup.