Help countering English Defence

Happy new year everyone,

I'm hoping I can get some advice on how to counter the English Defence that my buddy has been destroying me with lately.  We used to enjoy very evenly matched chess games, but his recent use of the English Defence has caused me quite a bit of grief.

Any thoughts or advice are much appreciated.

Cheers, Lyphe.

English opening = 1.c4

English/Owen defence = 1.e4/d4 b6 followed by e6 and Bb7 (black)

At least that's my interpretation

He usually moves pawn to c4 or e4, so sounds like it might be the opening as opposed to the defence.

The initial moves in the English Defense are generally 1. d4 e6 2. c4 b6 3. e4 Bb7 4. Bd3. Of course there are lots of variations with different piece and pawn moves, but Daniel King's English Defense calls this the mainline.

The English Opening as stated begins 1. c4.

Yes, I think you mean the English opening. Well, I'm not gonna give you a shortcut to counter White, but let me tell you that even though some might say it's a quite opening, not very agressive and somehow passive, I personally think it's a really uncomfortable opening to play against with black, and White puts a lot of pressure on the queenside right from the beginning.

Not only you have problems facing that opening. Just a matter to learn some theory, and find the defense which best suits your style, but there are no shortcuts.

maybe your friend does not really employing the English opening but  accelerated dragon with colors reversed..check the games of anand..

There is no defence to 1.c4, thats why I use it

Black might as well resign at that point.

I would play b6.

employ your thoughts over the board, play it often until you become acquainted with different attacking plans.then maybe that will help  you...good luck and have a good time playing!!!