A18
English Opening: Mikenas-Carls Variation
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 Variation163A13 - English Opening: Agincourt Defense1271A14 - Réti Opening: Anglo-Slav Variation703A15 - English Orangutan1441A16 - English Opening: Anglo-Grünfeld Defense478A17 - English Opening: Anglo-Indian Defense435A19 - English Opening: Mikenas-Carls, Sicilian64
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