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.
Top Players in this Opening
Related Openings
A30 - English Opening: Wing Gambit1057A31 - English Opening: Symmetrical Variation, Anti-Benoni Variation180A32 - English Opening: Symmetrical Variation, Anti-Benoni Variation, Spielmann Defense189A33 - English Opening: Symmetrical Variation, Anti-Benoni Variation, Geller Variation488A34 - English Opening: Symmetrical Variation610A35 - English Opening: Symmetrical Variation463A36 - English Opening: Symmetrical Variation, Botvinnik System449A37 - English Opening: Symmetrical Variation, Botvinnik System Reversed, with Nf3495A39 - English Opening: Symmetrical Variation, Mecking Variation148
Best Games
Giri,A vs Navara,D1/2-1/2
42nd Olympiad 2016 2016Notable
Aronian,L vs Anand,V1-0
Zurich CC Blitz 2014 2014Notable
Laznicka,V vs Hou Yifan0-1
WCh-Junior 2008Notable
Timman, Jan H vs Gelfand, Boris1/2-1/2
Biel 1995Notable
Georgiev, Kiril vs Kasparov, Gary1-0
Wch-blitz 1988Notable
Geller, Efim P vs Karpov, Anatoly1/2-1/2
Linares 1983Notable
Tempone, Marcelo vs Kasparov, Gary0-1
Wch U20 1980Notable
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
Smyslov, Vassily vs Khalifman, Alexander1/2-1/2
URS-ch55 1988
Andersson, Ulf vs Ivanchuk, Vassily1/2-1/2
Reggio Emilia8889 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 Tal, Mihail1-0
URS-ch37 1969
Smyslov, Vassily vs Timman, Jan H1/2-1/2
Hastings6970 1969