ECO code: A40
Queen's Pawn: English Defence, 2.c4 Bb7
This opening arises after the moves 1. d4 b6 2. c4 Bb7. Black adopts the English Defence setup, fianchettoing the queen's bishop early to exert pressure on the central squares from a distance.
Characteristic: The move 2...Bb7 is characteristic for its hypermodern approach, where Black allows White to occupy the center initially with pawns, planning to challenge and undermine it later with pieces and timely pawn breaks.
Attacking or Defensive: As Black, this setup is more defensive and flexible, aiming to counterattack rather than immediately fight for the center. White, by playing 2.c4, takes a more classical, attacking stance by establishing a strong central presence.
Center Control: White directly attacks and occupies the center with pawns on d4 and c4. Black does not occupy the center with pawns early but pressures it from the flanks, especially targeting the d4 pawn and influencing the long diagonal with the bishop on b7.
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 Bb7, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 26 - Move #5 white