A17

English Opening: Anglo-Indian Defense

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.

Best Games

Nepomniachtchi,I vs Anand,V1-0
9th London Classic 2017 • 2017★ Notable
Kramnik,V vs Nakamura,Hi0-1
2nd London Chess Classic • 2010★ Notable
Grischuk,A vs Karjakin,Sergey0-1
Tal Memorial Blitz • 2008★ Notable
Kramnik,V vs Ivanchuk,V0-1
Amber Rapid • 2007★ Notable
Pantsulaia,L vs Gelfand,B1/2-1/2
WCC • 2005★ Notable
Ponomariov,R vs Motylev,A1/2-1/2
WCC • 2005★ Notable
Topalov,V vs Abulhul,T1-0
FIDE WCh KO • 2004★ Notable
Zvjaginsev,V vs Adams,Mi0-1
FIDE WCh KO • 2001★ Notable
Zvjaginsev,V vs Adams,Mi1/2-1/2
FIDE WCh KO • 2001★ Notable
Khalifman,A vs Anand,V1/2-1/2
FIDE WCh KO • 2000★ Notable
Yermolinsky,A vs Adams,Mi0-1
FIDE WCh KO • 2000★ Notable
Kramnik, Vladimir vs Adams, Michael1/2-1/2
FIDE-Wch k.o. g/25+10 • 1999★ Notable
Topalov, Veselin vs Ivanchuk, Vassily1-0
Amber Blindfold • 1999★ Notable
Anand, Viswanathan vs Adams, Michael1-0
Linares16th • 1999★ Notable
Kramnik, Vladimir vs Anand, Viswanathan1/2-1/2
Dortmund • 1998★ Notable
Kramnik, Vladimir vs Karpov, Anatoly1-0
Dortmund • 1997★ Notable
Kramnik, Vladimir vs Ivanchuk, Vassily1-0
Amber-blind 6th • 1997★ Notable
Kramnik, Vladimir vs Karpov, Anatoly1/2-1/2
Amber-rapid 6th • 1997★ Notable
Kramnik, Vladimir vs Adams, Michael1-0
Dortmund • 1996★ Notable
Kramnik, Vladimir vs Anand, Viswanathan1/2-1/2
Amber-rapid 5th • 1996★ Notable

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