ECO code: A40
Opening Name: Queen's Pawn: English Defence, 2.c4
Moves: 1. d4 b6 2. c4
Description: The English Defence begins with an early ...b6 by Black, aiming to fianchetto the queenside bishop to exert pressure on White's center from the flank. After White's 2.c4, White solidifies control over the central d5 square and prepares to build a strong pawn presence in the center. Black's setup is somewhat hypermodern, inviting White to occupy the center early while planning to challenge it with pieces rather than immediate pawn confrontation.
Characteristic: The hallmark of this opening is Black's quick queenside fianchetto with ...b6, which supports the bishop's development to b7. This move is a flexible and somewhat provocative approach, allowing Black to counterattack White's center from a distance rather than occupying it directly.
Attacking or Defensive: From White's perspective, the opening is generally attacking as White stakes strong claims in the center with pawns on d4 and c4. Black's approach is more defensive and counterattacking, focusing on undermining White's central control rather than immediate confrontation.
Center Control: White actively occupies the center with pawns on d4 and c4, while Black refrains from direct central pawn moves initially, choosing instead to challenge the center with pieces, especially the fianchettoed bishop on b7. Thus, this opening involves a battle over central control where White holds the center early, and Black plans to contest it indirectly.
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.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Queen's Pawn: English Defence, 2.c4, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 29 - Move #5 white