English Opening: King's English Variation, Two Knights Variation, Keres Variation

Before the first move

The English Opening is a sophisticated flank attack where White controls the center from a distance. In the Keres Variation, Black responds with a solid setup, aiming to challenge your control with a quick central pawn push. Both sides are fighting for a flexible structure that can transition into many different pawn frameworks.

1. c4White · your move

Push your pawn to c4. This flank move immediately claims space on the queenside and exerts control over the d5-square. You are avoiding the most common central theories while keeping your options open for various setups depending on how Black responds.

1... e5Black

Black replies with e5, the King's English. This is the most principled response, leading to a reversed Sicilian defense. Other common tries include f5 for an Anglo-Dutch setup, or the flexible g6, known as the Great Snake, which prepares a kingside fianchetto.

Other paths here: f5 (English Opening: Anglo-Dutch Defense) · Nc6 (English Opening: Anglo-Lithuanian Variation) · d5 (English Opening: Anglo-Scandinavian Defense) · g6 (English Opening: Great Snake Variation)

2. Nc3White · your move

Develop your knight to c3. This piece adds more pressure to the d5-square and prepares to support your central operations. It is a flexible developing move that maintains the tension while you wait to see Black's secondary plan.

Other paths here: Nf3 (English Opening: King's English Variation, Nimzowitsch Variation) · d3 (English: King's, 2.d3) · e3 (English: King's, 2.e3) · g3 (English: King's, 2.g3)

2... Nf6Black

Black responds with Nf6, the most solid developing move. This leads to the Two Knights Variation. Black could also choose the more aggressive Bb4, known as the Kramnik-Shirov Counterattack, or the Reversed Closed Sicilian with Nc6 if they prefer a slower, more positional game.

Other paths here: Bb4 (English Opening: King's English Variation, Kramnik-Shirov Counterattack) · d6 (English: King's, 2.Nc3 d6) · f5 (English: King's, 2.Nc3 f5) · g6 (English: King's, 2.Nc3 g6)

3. g3White · your move

Slide your pawn to g3. You are preparing to fianchetto your bishop on g2, where it will exert long-range pressure across the longest diagonal of the board. This is a hallmark of the English, focusing on delayed central control and kingside safety.

Other paths here: f4 (English Opening: King's English, Mazedonisch) · e3 (English: King's, 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.e3) · e4 (English: King's, 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.e4) · Nf3 (English: King's, 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3)

3... c6Black

Black plays c6, signaling the Keres Variation. This move is a direct preparation for d5. While Black could play d5 immediately in a Reversed Dragon style, or develop the bishop with Bb4 or Bc5, the c6 move creates a very sturdy and ambitious pawn center.

Other paths here: d5 (English Opening: King's English Variation, Two Knights Variation, Reversed Dragon) · Bb4 (English Opening: King's English Variation, Two Knights Variation, Smyslov System) · Bc5 (English: Bremen, 3...Bc5) · g6 (English Opening: King's English Variation, Two Knights Variation, Fianchetto Line)

Where you stand

The stage is set for a central confrontation. Black intends to play d5 to seize the initiative, while White will finish the fianchetto and use the pressure from g2 to undermine Black's center. White must decide whether to allow d5 or challenge it immediately with Nf3, while Black must ensure their development keeps pace with their ambitious pawn play.

• f1-g2 Fianchetto the bishop to pressure d5
• d7-d5 Strike in the center with d5
• g1-f3 Develop the knight to challenge e5
• f8-b4 Develop the bishop to pin the knight