How to Play the English Opening in Chess

The English Opening is an appealing option for players who are tired of King's Pawn and Queen's Pawn openings, and those who wish to avoid the majority of Black's likely preparation. The English Opening usually begins with 1. c4 d5, and plays similarly to a reverse Sicilian with White having an extra tempo, so it is enterprising for Sicilian players to learn this system as well.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Play c4. This establishes an early presence in the queenside, and takes control of the central d5 square. Black will likely respond with e5 in an attempt to seize control of the center through a kingside thrust.

2. Jump your knight to c3. This move develops a piece, solidifies control of the queenside, and guards the d5 and e4 squares. Black will probably continue with Nf6, which furthers Black's attempt to control the kingside.

3. Move your other knight to f3. This creates a White presence on the kingside and develops another piece. Black will now probably play Nc6 to establish a Black presence on the queenside.

4. Consider either continuing with a pawn move to d3 or d4, with play similar to a standard Sicilian, or play g3 with an eye on a kingside fianchetto to exert more pressure on Black's queenside. White has many options at this point depending on your style of play.

Tips & Warnings

• Study several lines in the English opening to familiarize yourself with Black's likely defenses and common themes to this opening. Most lines will continue with White establishing queenside dominance, with Black responding through a strong kingside presence.