ECO code: A40
Opening Name: Queen's Pawn: English Defence, 3.e4
Moves: 1. d4 b6 2. c4 e6 3. e4
Description: This line arises when Black adopts the English Defence setup with an early ...b6 and ...e6, aiming to fianchetto the queenside bishop and challenge White’s center from a flexible position. White’s 3.e4 is a direct and assertive response, staking a strong claim in the center and establishing a classical pawn duo on d4 and e4.
Characteristic: The move 3.e4 is characteristic for reinforcing White’s central presence and grabbing space, signaling aggressive intentions to control the center early on.
Attacking or Defensive: For White, this is an attacking move, aiming to dominate the center and restrict Black’s counterplay. Black’s setup is more defensive and positional, focusing on solid development and counterattacking opportunities later.
Center Control: Yes, this opening directly contests and aims to control the center with White’s pawns on d4 and e4, while Black challenges it more subtly from the wings.
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, 3.e4, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 4 - Move #7 black