Chess: Understanding the English Opening (1 c4 1 ... e5) Part I
1 c4 e5 Line
What's the game plan for Black?
* Control of the center, starting with the pawn
move 1 ... e5.
* Creation of a kingside attack. Black's offensive
is centered around the f7-f5-f4 maneuver.
* Maintenance of queenside stability. Although
Black's focus is on hunting down the enemy King,
he should also keep an eye on White's queenside
threats.
The 1 ... e5 response leads to aggressive lines of
play so Black is assured of a sharp game.
What's the game plan for White?
* Creation of a queenside attack through the advancement of the a- and b-pawns.
* Utilization of g3/Bf1-g2 to further the above
objective.
* Control of the a-file, once the a-pawn
has been traded off.
The English is a solid and flexible opening for
White. Also, it's not as heavily analyzed as
many of the 1 e4 or 1 d4 openings.
Also available:
Chess: Understanding the English Opening
(Symmetrical Variation) Part I
http://chesscoach1950.blogspot.com/2006/07/chess-understanding-english-opening.html
Chess: Understanding the English Opening
(Symmetrical Variation) Part II
http://chesscoach1950.blogspot.com/2006/07/chess-understanding-englis_115360840095778197.html
Chess: Understanding the English Opening
(Symmetrical Variation) Part III
http://chesscoach1950.blogspot.com/2006/07/chess-understanding-english-opening_22.html
Chess: Understanding the English Opening
(Symmetrical Variation) Part IV
http://chesscoach1950.blogspot.com/2006/07/chess-understanding-englis_115362587088403691.html
1 c4
(i) Attacking the central square d5 and
near-central square b5. Please note, the
acquisition of d5 is a critical theme for
the English opening.
(ii) Opening up an outlet for the Queen
along the d1-a4 diagonal.
1... e5
(i) Taking aim at d4 and f4.
Instead of contending for d5 by such moves as
1 ... e6, 1 ... Nf6, or 1 ... c6, Black opts to build
his position around the e5 square.
(ii) Opening up the f8-a3 and d8-h4 diagonals for
the bishop and Queen respectively.
Other options are:
1 ... c5
Please refer to Understanding the English Opening
(Symmetrical Variation) Parts I, II, III, and IV.
1 ... g6
Black intends ... Bf8-g7 in order to control the center
from a distance and keep White guessing about his
immediate designs in that sector.
1 ... f5
Assuming control of e4/g4 and steering the game
towards Dutch Defense territory. Please refer to
Understanding the Dutch Defense (Stonewall Variation
and Staunton Gambit).
1 ... b6
Making arrangements for ... Bc8-b7. Black hopes
to influence the a8-h1 diagonal, particularly
the contentious d5 square.
1 ... d6
Covering e5 plus c5, and also enabling the c8
bishop's development along c8-h3. This moves
intimates Black's desire to focus his game
around a forthcoming ... e7-e5 or... c7-c5
break.
1 ... Nc6
Staking a claim on d4 and e5.
1 ... d5
Immediately contesting the d5 square. White
can continue with
2 cxd5, 2 Nf3 or 2 d4.
1 ... g5
1 ... Na6
1 ... f6
1 ... a6
1 ... b5
1 ... h6
1 ... Nh6
1 ... h5
1 ... a5
2 Nc3
Reinforcing the focal d5 and covering b5/e4.
An immediate 2 g3, with Bf1-g2 in mind, is
also viable for buttressing d5.
2 Nf3
Assailing the e5 pawn. However, following 2 ... e4 3 Nd4,
Black gains central space at the knight's expense.
2 e3
Challenging Black's control of d4/f4 and also setting up
for a prospective d2-d4 advance.
2 d3
2 b3
Intending Bc1-b2 so as to attack the e5 pawn.
2 a3
2 h4
2 Qc2
2 d4
2 e4
2... Nc6
Strengthening e5 and d4.
2 ... Nf6
2 ... d6
2 ... Bb4
2 ... c5
2 ... g6
2 ... f5
2 ... c6
2 ... Bc5
3 g3
3 Nf3
3 e3
3 d3
3 a3
3 e4
3... g6
Black intends to develop the f8 bishop to g7, in support
of the attack on d4. From g7, the bishop can also keep
an eye on the a1 rook. Incidentally, 3 ... g6 sets up for
a thematic ... f7-f5.
3 ... f5
3 ... d6
3 ... Nf6
3 ... Bb4
3 ... Be7
3 ... Bc5
4 Bg2
4 Rb1
4 Nf3
4 d3
4 e3
4 ... Bg7
4 ... d6
4 ... Nf6
4 ... f5
5 d3
Killing three birds with one stone:
(i) Safeguarding c4.
(ii) Tightening White's grip on e4.
(iii) Allowing the c1 bishop to see
the light of day along c1-h6.
5 e3
5 Rb1
5 Nf3
5 e4
5 b3
5 ... d6
(i) Protecting the e5 pawn.
(ii) Claiming c5 for Black.
(iii) Facilitating the c8 bishop's
development along the c8-h3 diagonal.
5 ... f5
5 ... Nge7
5 ... Nf6
6 Nf3
White mobilizes towards Black's d4 stronghold
and also enables kingside castling.
6 e4
6 Rb1
6 e3
6 Bd2
6 b3
6 f4
Presently, Black can play 6 ... f5 or 6 ... Nf6.
However, if White plays 6 e3 instead of 6 Nf3,
6... Nge7 is adequate: 7 Nge2 0-08 0-0. Black
then usually completes mobilization with 8... Bg4
9 h3 Be6 followed by Qd8-d7.
6... f5
While this move gains space and contends for e4,
it also leaves the a2-g1 diagonal exposed and the
seventh rank potentially weakened.
If 6... Nf6
Then:
7 0-0
7 Rb1
7 Bd2
7 Bg5
7 ... 0-0
7 ... h6
8 Rb1
White is preparing for b2-b4-b5.
8 a3
8 Bg5
8 e4
8... a5
Preventing an unchallenged 9 b4.
8 ... h6
8 ... Nd4
8 ... Bd7
8 ... Re8
8 ... Nh5
8 ... a6
8 ... Bg4
8 ... Bf5
9 a3
With b4 to follow.
9 Bg5
9 b3
9 h3
9 e3
9... h6
So that the c8 bishop develops to e6 without having
to worry about Nf3-g5.
9 ... Nd4
9 ... Bf5
9 ... Bg4
9 ... Nh5
Instead of 9 ... h6, another approach is:
9... Re8
Making arrangements for e5-e4.
10 Bg5
10 Nd2
10 Ne1
10 e4
10 b4
10 ... h6
11 Bxf6 Bxf6
11 ... Qxf6
12 b4
12 Nd2
12... axb4
13 axb4 Bg7
13 ... Nd4
14 b5 Ne7
14 ... Nd4
15 Qb3
Followed by Ra1, with opportunities for both sides.
15 Qc2
15 Ne1
15 Nd2
Now back to 9 ... h6
10 b4
10 Nd2
10 Ne1
10 ... axb4
11 axb4 Be6
11 ... Re8
11 ... Bg4
12 b5
12 Nd2
12 e4
12 ... Ne7
12 ... Nd4
13 Bb2
13 Qb3
13 Nd2
13 Qc2
13 Bd2
13 d4
13 ... Qd7
With the plan of playing Be6-h3.
13 ... b6
13 ... Nd7
13 ... Qc8
14 Re1
White wants to retain the light-squared bishops
on the board.
14 Ra1
14 c5
14 Nd2
14 Qb3
14 ... Bh3
15 Bh1
With a complex middlegame.
Back to 1 c4 e5 2 Nc3 Nc6 3 g3 g6 4 Bg2 Bg7
5 d3 d6 6 Nf3 f5
6 ... Nge7
6 ... h6
7 0-0
7 Rb1
7 ... Nf6
Black prepares to castle and also takes aim at d5/e4/g4.
7 ... h6
8 Rb1
Eliminating any possibility of contact with the
g7 bishop, but more importantly, preparing for
b2-b4.
8 Nd5
8 Bg5
8 Ne1
8 a3
8 ... a5
Holding up the b2-b4 break.
8 ... h6
8 ... O-O
9 a3
But White adds more support for it. Soon, his queenside
attack will be in motion.
9 Nd5
9 ... 0-0
Safeguarding the King.
10 b4
10 Bg5
10 ... axb4
11 axb4
11 ... h6
Making arrangements for ... g6-g5, which, in turn, aids
Black's kingside attack.
11 ... Nh5
11 ... Ne7
12 b5
12 Ne1
12 Nd5
12 Nd2
12 ... Ne7
At this point, White could focus on the a-file, or, play
with c4-c5 and, sometimes, even b5-b6
13 Bb2
13 c5
13 Ne1
13 Nd2
Preventing the mobilization of the bishop on c8 since
the bishop on g2 is now assailing the b7 pawn.
If 13 Bb2 preparing Ra1, Black would continue with
13... Be6 14 Ra1 Qd7.
13... g5
The fight is now centered around White's attack on
Black's weakened queenside and Black's offensive
against the White king.
14 Bb2
14 ... f4
By ChessCoach@care2.com
What's the game plan for Black?
* Control of the center, starting with the pawn
move 1 ... e5.
* Creation of a kingside attack. Black's offensive
is centered around the f7-f5-f4 maneuver.
* Maintenance of queenside stability. Although
Black's focus is on hunting down the enemy King,
he should also keep an eye on White's queenside
threats.
The 1 ... e5 response leads to aggressive lines of
play so Black is assured of a sharp game.
What's the game plan for White?
* Creation of a queenside attack through the advancement of the a- and b-pawns.
* Utilization of g3/Bf1-g2 to further the above
objective.
* Control of the a-file, once the a-pawn
has been traded off.
The English is a solid and flexible opening for
White. Also, it's not as heavily analyzed as
many of the 1 e4 or 1 d4 openings.
Also available:
Chess: Understanding the English Opening
(Symmetrical Variation) Part I
http://chesscoach1950.blogspot.com/2006/07/chess-understanding-english-opening.html
Chess: Understanding the English Opening
(Symmetrical Variation) Part II
http://chesscoach1950.blogspot.com/2006/07/chess-understanding-englis_115360840095778197.html
Chess: Understanding the English Opening
(Symmetrical Variation) Part III
http://chesscoach1950.blogspot.com/2006/07/chess-understanding-english-opening_22.html
Chess: Understanding the English Opening
(Symmetrical Variation) Part IV
http://chesscoach1950.blogspot.com/2006/07/chess-understanding-englis_115362587088403691.html
1 c4
(i) Attacking the central square d5 and
near-central square b5. Please note, the
acquisition of d5 is a critical theme for
the English opening.
(ii) Opening up an outlet for the Queen
along the d1-a4 diagonal.
1... e5
(i) Taking aim at d4 and f4.
Instead of contending for d5 by such moves as
1 ... e6, 1 ... Nf6, or 1 ... c6, Black opts to build
his position around the e5 square.
(ii) Opening up the f8-a3 and d8-h4 diagonals for
the bishop and Queen respectively.
Other options are:
1 ... c5
Please refer to Understanding the English Opening
(Symmetrical Variation) Parts I, II, III, and IV.
1 ... g6
Black intends ... Bf8-g7 in order to control the center
from a distance and keep White guessing about his
immediate designs in that sector.
1 ... f5
Assuming control of e4/g4 and steering the game
towards Dutch Defense territory. Please refer to
Understanding the Dutch Defense (Stonewall Variation
and Staunton Gambit).
1 ... b6
Making arrangements for ... Bc8-b7. Black hopes
to influence the a8-h1 diagonal, particularly
the contentious d5 square.
1 ... d6
Covering e5 plus c5, and also enabling the c8
bishop's development along c8-h3. This moves
intimates Black's desire to focus his game
around a forthcoming ... e7-e5 or... c7-c5
break.
1 ... Nc6
Staking a claim on d4 and e5.
1 ... d5
Immediately contesting the d5 square. White
can continue with
2 cxd5, 2 Nf3 or 2 d4.
1 ... g5
1 ... Na6
1 ... f6
1 ... a6
1 ... b5
1 ... h6
1 ... Nh6
1 ... h5
1 ... a5
2 Nc3
Reinforcing the focal d5 and covering b5/e4.
An immediate 2 g3, with Bf1-g2 in mind, is
also viable for buttressing d5.
2 Nf3
Assailing the e5 pawn. However, following 2 ... e4 3 Nd4,
Black gains central space at the knight's expense.
2 e3
Challenging Black's control of d4/f4 and also setting up
for a prospective d2-d4 advance.
2 d3
2 b3
Intending Bc1-b2 so as to attack the e5 pawn.
2 a3
2 h4
2 Qc2
2 d4
2 e4
2... Nc6
Strengthening e5 and d4.
2 ... Nf6
2 ... d6
2 ... Bb4
2 ... c5
2 ... g6
2 ... f5
2 ... c6
2 ... Bc5
3 g3
3 Nf3
3 e3
3 d3
3 a3
3 e4
3... g6
Black intends to develop the f8 bishop to g7, in support
of the attack on d4. From g7, the bishop can also keep
an eye on the a1 rook. Incidentally, 3 ... g6 sets up for
a thematic ... f7-f5.
3 ... f5
3 ... d6
3 ... Nf6
3 ... Bb4
3 ... Be7
3 ... Bc5
4 Bg2
4 Rb1
4 Nf3
4 d3
4 e3
4 ... Bg7
4 ... d6
4 ... Nf6
4 ... f5
5 d3
Killing three birds with one stone:
(i) Safeguarding c4.
(ii) Tightening White's grip on e4.
(iii) Allowing the c1 bishop to see
the light of day along c1-h6.
5 e3
5 Rb1
5 Nf3
5 e4
5 b3
5 ... d6
(i) Protecting the e5 pawn.
(ii) Claiming c5 for Black.
(iii) Facilitating the c8 bishop's
development along the c8-h3 diagonal.
5 ... f5
5 ... Nge7
5 ... Nf6
6 Nf3
White mobilizes towards Black's d4 stronghold
and also enables kingside castling.
6 e4
6 Rb1
6 e3
6 Bd2
6 b3
6 f4
Presently, Black can play 6 ... f5 or 6 ... Nf6.
However, if White plays 6 e3 instead of 6 Nf3,
6... Nge7 is adequate: 7 Nge2 0-08 0-0. Black
then usually completes mobilization with 8... Bg4
9 h3 Be6 followed by Qd8-d7.
6... f5
While this move gains space and contends for e4,
it also leaves the a2-g1 diagonal exposed and the
seventh rank potentially weakened.
If 6... Nf6
Then:
7 0-0
7 Rb1
7 Bd2
7 Bg5
7 ... 0-0
7 ... h6
8 Rb1
White is preparing for b2-b4-b5.
8 a3
8 Bg5
8 e4
8... a5
Preventing an unchallenged 9 b4.
8 ... h6
8 ... Nd4
8 ... Bd7
8 ... Re8
8 ... Nh5
8 ... a6
8 ... Bg4
8 ... Bf5
9 a3
With b4 to follow.
9 Bg5
9 b3
9 h3
9 e3
9... h6
So that the c8 bishop develops to e6 without having
to worry about Nf3-g5.
9 ... Nd4
9 ... Bf5
9 ... Bg4
9 ... Nh5
Instead of 9 ... h6, another approach is:
9... Re8
Making arrangements for e5-e4.
10 Bg5
10 Nd2
10 Ne1
10 e4
10 b4
10 ... h6
11 Bxf6 Bxf6
11 ... Qxf6
12 b4
12 Nd2
12... axb4
13 axb4 Bg7
13 ... Nd4
14 b5 Ne7
14 ... Nd4
15 Qb3
Followed by Ra1, with opportunities for both sides.
15 Qc2
15 Ne1
15 Nd2
Now back to 9 ... h6
10 b4
10 Nd2
10 Ne1
10 ... axb4
11 axb4 Be6
11 ... Re8
11 ... Bg4
12 b5
12 Nd2
12 e4
12 ... Ne7
12 ... Nd4
13 Bb2
13 Qb3
13 Nd2
13 Qc2
13 Bd2
13 d4
13 ... Qd7
With the plan of playing Be6-h3.
13 ... b6
13 ... Nd7
13 ... Qc8
14 Re1
White wants to retain the light-squared bishops
on the board.
14 Ra1
14 c5
14 Nd2
14 Qb3
14 ... Bh3
15 Bh1
With a complex middlegame.
Back to 1 c4 e5 2 Nc3 Nc6 3 g3 g6 4 Bg2 Bg7
5 d3 d6 6 Nf3 f5
6 ... Nge7
6 ... h6
7 0-0
7 Rb1
7 ... Nf6
Black prepares to castle and also takes aim at d5/e4/g4.
7 ... h6
8 Rb1
Eliminating any possibility of contact with the
g7 bishop, but more importantly, preparing for
b2-b4.
8 Nd5
8 Bg5
8 Ne1
8 a3
8 ... a5
Holding up the b2-b4 break.
8 ... h6
8 ... O-O
9 a3
But White adds more support for it. Soon, his queenside
attack will be in motion.
9 Nd5
9 ... 0-0
Safeguarding the King.
10 b4
10 Bg5
10 ... axb4
11 axb4
11 ... h6
Making arrangements for ... g6-g5, which, in turn, aids
Black's kingside attack.
11 ... Nh5
11 ... Ne7
12 b5
12 Ne1
12 Nd5
12 Nd2
12 ... Ne7
At this point, White could focus on the a-file, or, play
with c4-c5 and, sometimes, even b5-b6
13 Bb2
13 c5
13 Ne1
13 Nd2
Preventing the mobilization of the bishop on c8 since
the bishop on g2 is now assailing the b7 pawn.
If 13 Bb2 preparing Ra1, Black would continue with
13... Be6 14 Ra1 Qd7.
13... g5
The fight is now centered around White's attack on
Black's weakened queenside and Black's offensive
against the White king.
14 Bb2
14 ... f4
By ChessCoach@care2.com
posted by ChessCoach1977 at 1:22 PM
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