English Defense · A40
Hartlaub Gambit Declined
1. c4 e6 2. d4 b6 3. Nc3 Bb7 4. e4 f5 5. d5
Black's queenside bishop takes the long diagonal.
The first 4 moves, explained
- 1. c4 Fights for d5 from the flank - contesting the centre without committing a centre pawn. Theory calls this the English Opening.
- 1... e6 Supports the centre, adding control of d5. Theory calls this the Agincourt Defense.
- 2. d4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e5, and frees the bishop and queen.
- 2... b6 Prepares the fianchetto: the bishop will take the long diagonal via b7. Theory calls this the English Defense.
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Where this fits
This line is one of 7 in the English Defense. If you want to know where your own games leave it, the guide on leaving theory explains how that is found.