English Opening · A10

Anglo-Scandinavian Defense, Malvinas Variation

1. c4 d5 2. cxd5 Qxd5 3. Nc3 Qa5

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... d5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e4, and frees the bishop and queen. Theory calls this the Anglo-Scandinavian Defense.
• 2. cxd5 Takes the pawn on d5, toward the centre.
• 2... Qxd5 Recaptures the pawn on d5.

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