English Opening · A15

Anglo-Indian Defense, Scandinavian Defense, Exchange Variation

1. c4 Nf6 2. Nf3 d5 3. cxd5 Nxd5

An early pawn trade leaves the c-file as White's avenue and the d-file as Black's - both sides get real winning chances down their own file.

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... Nf6 Develops the knight to f6, eyeing d5 and e4. Theory calls this the Anglo-Indian Defense.
• 2. Nf3 Develops the knight to f3, eyeing d4 and e5.
• 2... d5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e4, and frees the bishop and queen. Theory calls this the Scandinavian Defense.

Sign in to read every move's note and train this line — 2 more moves in this line, 6 in all.