A38

English Opening: Symmetrical Variation, Double Fianchetto

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

Giri,A vs Navara,D1/2-1/2
42nd Olympiad 2016 • 2016★ Notable
Aronian,L vs Anand,V1-0
Zurich CC Blitz 2014 • 2014★ Notable
Laznicka,V vs Hou Yifan0-1
WCh-Junior • 2008★ Notable
Timman, Jan H vs Gelfand, Boris1/2-1/2
Biel • 1995★ Notable
Georgiev, Kiril vs Kasparov, Gary1-0
Wch-blitz • 1988★ Notable
Geller, Efim P vs Karpov, Anatoly1/2-1/2
Linares • 1983★ Notable
Tempone, Marcelo vs Kasparov, Gary0-1
Wch U20 • 1980★ Notable
Adams,Mi vs Anand,V1/2-1/2
5th Classic GpA 2013 • 2013
Radjabov,T vs Ivanchuk,V1-0
2nd ACP World Rapid Cup • 2008
Ehlvest, Jaan vs Polugaevsky, Lev1/2-1/2
Reggio Emilia91 Top16 • 1991
Andersson, Ulf vs Ivanchuk, Vassily1/2-1/2
Reggio Emilia8889 • 1988
Smyslov, Vassily vs Khalifman, Alexander1/2-1/2
URS-ch55 • 1988
Andersson, Ulf vs Ljubojevic, Ljubomir1/2-1/2
Tilburg • 1987
Geller, Efim P vs Tal, Mihail1/2-1/2
Reykjavik op • 1986
Ribli, Zoltan vs Timman, Jan H1/2-1/2
Tilburg • 1980
Larsen, Bent vs Huebner, Robert0-1
Tilburg • 1978
Petrosian, Tigran V vs Portisch, Lajos1-0
Candidats qf2 • 1974
Smyslov, Vassily vs Jimenez Zerquera, Eleazar1-0
Palma de Mallorca Interzonal • 1970
Smyslov, Vassily vs Timman, Jan H1/2-1/2
Hastings6970 • 1969
Smyslov, Vassily vs Tal, Mihail1-0
URS-ch37 • 1969

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