English Opening · A33

Symmetrical Variation, Anti-Benoni Variation, Spielmann Defense, after 2. Nf3

1. c4 e6 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nc3 c5 4. d4 cxd4 5. Nxd4 Nc6

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. Nf3 Develops the knight to f3, eyeing d4 and e5.
• 2... Nf6 Develops the knight to f6, eyeing d5 and e4.

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