English Defense · A40
Main line, after 1... b6
1. d4 b6
In the centre, White holds d4.
The first 2 moves, explained
- 1. d4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e5, and frees the bishop and queen.
- 1... 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.