English Opening · A32

Symmetrical Variation, Anti-Benoni Variation, Spielmann Defense, after 2. d4

1. c4 e6 2. d4 c5 3. Nf3 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6

An early pawn trade leaves the c-file as Black's avenue and the d-file as White's - both sides get real winning chances down their own file. c4 fights for d5 without committing the centre pawns: White often fianchettoes and plays a reversed Sicilian with an extra tempo.

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... c5 Challenges the pawn on d4 - the central tension has to resolve.

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