Chess Opening Theory/1. c4/1...e5

English Opening
a b c d e f g h
8 a8 b8 c8 d8 e8 f8 g8 h8 8
7 a7 b7 c7 d7 e7 f7 g7 h7 7
6 a6 b6 c6 d6 e6 f6 g6 h6 6
5 a5 b5 c5 d5 e5 f5 g5 h5 5
4 a4 b4 c4 d4 e4 f4 g4 h4 4
3 a3 b3 c3 d3 e3 f3 g3 h3 3
2 a2 b2 c2 d2 e2 f2 g2 h2 2
1 a1 b1 c1 d1 e1 f1 g1 h1 1
a b c d e f g h
Position in Forsyth-Edwards Notation (FEN)
Moves: 1. c4 e5

English Opening edit

1...e5 edit

This move creates a reverse Sicilian but it's White's move and the aim for White to create an advantage leads generally to different positions. White's choices are now:

  • 2. Nc3, the normal move
  • 2. g3 many transposition possibilities
  • 2. Nf3 can lead to a reversed Alekhine's Defence of sorts if Black replies with ...e4, with the option of cxd5 if Black tries to advance the d-pawn
  • 2. d4 gives away any advantage

Theory Table edit

For explanation of theory tables, see theory table and for notation, see algebraic notation..

1.c4 e5
2 3 4 5
Nc3
Nc6
g3
g6
Bg2
Bg7
d3
d6
King's English Variation, Kramnik-Shirov CounterattackNc3

Bb4

Nd5

Bc5

Nf3

c6

Nc3

d6

g3
Nf6
Nc3
Bb4
Drill Variation ...
h5
+=
d4

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References edit

  • Taming Wild Chess Openings: How to Deal with the Good, the Bad and the Ugly over the Chess Board (2015). John Watson. ISBN 9056915703.