English Opening · A34

Symmetrical Variation, Rubinstein Variation, after 1... Nf6

1. c4 Nf6 2. Nc3 c5 3. g3 d5 4. cxd5 Nxd5 5. Bg2 Nc7

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. White's kingside bishop takes the long diagonal.

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. Nc3 Develops the knight to c3, eyeing d5 and e4.
• 2... c5 Fights for d4 from the flank - contesting the centre without committing a centre pawn.

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