A34

English Opening: Symmetrical 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.

Best Games

Abdusattorov,Nodirbek vs Praggnanandhaa,R0-1
Tata Steel IND Rapid Open • 2023★ Notable
Erigaisi,Arjun vs He,Anthony0-1
PNWCC Bullet (1+1) 2020 • 2020★ Notable
Gelfand,B vs Narayanan,SL1-0
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 10 • 2020★ Notable
Aronian,L vs Nepomniachtchi,I0-1
Saint Louis Rapid 2017 • 2017★ Notable
Aronian,L vs Svidler,P1/2-1/2
5th Sinquefield Cup 2017 • 2017★ Notable
Aronian,L vs Nepomniachtchi,I1-0
5th Sinquefield Cup 2017 • 2017★ Notable
Radjabov,T vs Svidler,P1-0
Geneva Grand Prix 2017 • 2017★ Notable
Gelfand,B vs Nepomniachtchi,I1/2-1/2
Zurich Korchnoi CC Blitz • 2017★ Notable
Gelfand,B vs Svidler,P1/2-1/2
Zurich Korchnoi CC Blitz • 2017★ Notable
Aronian,L vs So,W1/2-1/2
8th London Classic 2016 • 2016★ Notable
Aronian,L vs Nepomniachtchi,I1-0
Tal Memorial Blitz 2016 • 2016★ Notable
Aronian,L vs Topalov,V1-0
7th London Classic 2015 • 2015★ Notable
Grischuk,A vs Giri,A1/2-1/2
2nd Norway Chess 2014 • 2014★ Notable
Grischuk,A vs Svidler,P1/2-1/2
2nd Norway Chess 2014 • 2014★ Notable
Carlsen,M vs Giri,A1/2-1/2
2nd Norway Chess 2014 • 2014★ Notable
Nakamura,Hi vs Giri,A1/2-1/2
76th Tata Steel Masters • 2014★ Notable
Rapport,R vs Dominguez Perez,L0-1
76th Tata Steel Masters • 2014★ Notable
Aronian,L vs Caruana,F1-0
76th Tata Steel Masters • 2014★ Notable
Kramnik,V vs Polgar,Ju1-0
4th London Chess Classic • 2012★ Notable
Kamsky,G vs Ivanchuk,V0-1
Tal Memorial Blitz • 2008★ Notable

Explore More

All OpeningsAll Players