This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
English Opening: King's English Variation, Reversed Sicilian
Moves: 1. c4 e5 2. Nc3
This variation arises when White opens with the English Opening (1. c4) and Black responds with 1...e5. White's second move, 2. Nc3, develops the knight to a natural square, supporting the central d5 square and preparing for flexible central and queenside play.
Characteristic: This setup is known as the "Reversed Sicilian" because it mirrors the Sicilian Defense but with colors reversed—White plays similarly to Black in the Sicilian, but with an extra tempo. This gives White dynamic chances to control the center and initiate queenside activity.
Playing style: For White, this opening is generally attacking, aiming to exert pressure on Black's central pawn on e5 and to control key central squares indirectly. Black's setup is more defensive initially but seeks counterplay by challenging White's control of the center.
Center control: Although White does not immediately occupy the center with pawns, the English Opening focuses on controlling the center from a distance (especially the d5 and e4 squares) and preparing a strong central presence later. Thus, it is an opening that attacks the center indirectly rather than occupying it right away.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the English Opening: King's English Variation, Reversed Sicilian, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 211 - Move #5 black
You can also discover how top players used English Opening: King's English Variation, Reversed Sicilian to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.