A13
English Opening: Neo-Catalan
Key moves: 1.c4
The English Opening is a flexible first move that can transpose into many different opening systems. It controls the d5 square and often leads to positions where White fianchettoes on the kingside. It can lead to both positional manoeuvring and sharp tactical play.
History & Notable Players
Named after Howard Staunton who played it in the 1843 match against Saint-Amant. It became a major weapon in the 1970s through the games of Mikhail Botvinnik and has been used by virtually every World Champion since.
Top Players in this Opening
Related Openings
A10 - English Opening523A11 - English Opening: Caro-Kann Defensive System469A12 - Réti Opening: Anglo-Slav Variation163A14 - Réti Opening: Anglo-Slav Variation703A15 - English Orangutan1441A16 - English Opening: Anglo-Grünfeld Defense478A17 - English Opening: Anglo-Indian Defense435A18 - English Opening: Mikenas-Carls Variation223A19 - English Opening: Mikenas-Carls, Sicilian64
Best Games
Abdusattorov,Nodirbek vs Praggnanandhaa,R1/2-1/2
12th Sinquefield Cup • 2025★ Notable
Gukesh,D vs Praggnanandhaa,R1-0
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Ding Liren vs Gukesh,D1-0
WCh 2024 • 2024★ Notable
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Carlsen,M vs Praggnanandhaa,R1/2-1/2
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Nepomniachtchi,I vs Abdusattorov,Nodirbek0-1
Saint Louis Blitz 2024 • 2024★ Notable
Firouzja,Alireza vs Abdusattorov,Nodirbek0-1
Saint Louis Blitz 2024 • 2024★ Notable
So,W vs Abdusattorov,Nodirbek1-0
Saint Louis Blitz 2024 • 2024★ Notable
Abdusattorov,Nodirbek vs Erigaisi,Arjun1/2-1/2
Tata Steel IND Blitz Open • 2023★ Notable
Navara,D vs Le,Quang Liem1/2-1/2
56th Biel GM 2023 • 2023★ Notable
Le,Quang Liem vs Navara,D0-1
56th Biel GM Rapid 2023 • 2023★ Notable
Mamedyarov,S vs Erigaisi,Arjun0-1
Tata Steel India Blitz • 2022★ Notable
Nakamura,Hi vs Firouzja,Alireza0-1
Saint Louis Blitz 2022 • 2022★ Notable
Caruana,F vs Firouzja,Alireza0-1
Saint Louis Blitz 2022 • 2022★ Notable
Ding Liren vs Duda,J1-0
FIDE Candidates 2022 • 2022★ Notable
Nepomniachtchi,I vs Carlsen,M0-1
WCh 2021 • 2021★ Notable
Erigaisi,Arjun vs Le, Quang Liem1/2-1/2
Tata Steel India Blitz • 2021★ Notable
Nepomniachtchi,I vs Alekseenko,K1-0
FIDE Candidates 2020 • 2021★ Notable
Gelfand,B vs Huzman,A0-1
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 21 • 2021★ Notable
Gelfand,B vs Huzman,A1-0
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 20 • 2020★ Notable