Rat Defense · A41

English Rat

1. d4 d6 2. c4 e5

In the centre, White holds d4 while Black holds e5.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. d4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 1... d6 Supports the centre, adding control of e5.
• 2. c4 Fights for d5 from the flank - contesting the centre without committing a centre pawn. Theory calls this the Old Indian Defense.
• 2... e5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d4, and frees the bishop and queen. Theory calls this the English Rat.

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