Chess Opening Theory/1. d4/1...b6


English Defence
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. d4 b6
ECO code: A40
Parent: Queen's Pawn Opening

1... b6 - English Defence edit

With the move 1.... b6 Black prepares to develop the Queenside Bishop. It's also a flexible option when played with the e6 development as Black has various ideas involving the e6, Nf6, Bb4, Bb7 moves.

White's responses edit

White likely to respond with one of the following:

  • 2. c4 A standard reply, White continues in Queen Gambit formation ready to play e4.
  • 2. Nf3 May transpose into a Queen's Indian Defence.
  • 2. e4 This move order arrives at a Owen's Defence

Theory table edit

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

1. d4 b6

2 3 4 5 6 7
English Defence c4
e6
e4
Bb7
Bd3
f5!?
exf5
Bxg2
Qh5+
g6
fxg6
Bg7
Queen's Indian Defence Nf3
Bb7
c4
e6
Nc3
Nf6
a3
d5
cxd5
Nxd5
e3
Be7
+/=
Owen Defence e4
Bb7
Bd3
e6
Nf3
c5
c3
Nf6
Qe2
Be7
O-O
Nc6

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References edit