What is the English Opening?
Q: What is the English Opening?
A: The English Opening is a chess opening for White, which has become the third most popular opening move after 1.e4 and 1.d4. It was developed by the English master Howard Staunton and played in his match against Saint-Amant.
Q: What are some of the moves associated with the English Opening?
A: Some of the moves associated with the English Opening include Nc3, Nf3 or Ne2, 0-0, d3, Rb1 followed by b2-b4-b5.
Q: How does White operate in Variation 1 of this opening?
A: In Variation 1 of this opening, White operates in both the centre and Q-side while Black operates more on the K-side.
Q: How does Variation 2 differ from other lines?
A: Variation 2 has a character similar to that of a Sicilian defence reversed - it differs from other lines because White does not have to play 3.e4 so they can avoid this line if they choose to do so.
Q: What happens in Variation 3?
A: In Variation 3, after 1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.e4 d5 4.cxd5 exd5 5.e5 is played; then 5...d4, 5...Ne4 and 5...Nfd7 are most often played afterwards - these two sides clash early in the centre here as opposed to other variations where there may be more flexibility for either side's moveset choices .
Q: Is it necessary for players to learn each variation separately?
A: Yes - each variation has its own distinct character and needs to be learnt by players who wish to use them effectively during their games
