Without converting it into a queens gambit preferably btw, almost everybody at my tournaments play it and study it like crazy
Interesting idea lines in the English Opening?
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Sep 20, 2021
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#3
HarryFL wrote:
Im about 1700 rated otb, and play the english. Mainly just because im too lazy to learn any real openings, but as ive been playing my games have been very boring as almost everybody plays either e6 or Nf6 to try and convert the position. I was wondering if there are any interesting lines/ideas I can use to surprise them?
The English is not a line to "shock" the opponents.
Also, some QP openings cannot be avoided without getting a clearly inferior position.
The first that comes to mind is the King's Indian Defense. After say, 1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 g6 3.g3 Bg7 4.Bg2 O-O 5.Nf3 d6 6.O-O c6, there is nothing other than 7.d4 that gives White anything at all.
After 1.c4 e6, if Black follows up with 2...d5, you basically have 2 choices, and you better have your answer figured out by move 2. You can play the Reti Opening by Tansposition - 1.c4 e6 2.Nf3 d5 and now 3.g3 or 3.b3, or you can play the QGD via 2.Nc3 d5 3.d4 (Only decent move).
After 1.c4 Nf6, a lot depends on the follow-up If 2.Nc3 g6, there is no good line that avoids the King's Indian, but you can avoid the Grunfeld via 3.e4! d6 and only then 4.d4! Note that 4.d3 is no good. The Botvinnik Setup only really works if Black has fianchettoed his Dark-Squared Bishop AND blocked it with his own ...e5 move, like 1.c4 e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.e4. If there is no black pawn on e5, he is already equal at worst!
One line you can play that is aggressive, but you MUST know REAMS of theory, is the Mikenas-Flohr: 1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.e4. Only problem is, if they play 1...e6 first, you have to be ready for a QGD if you do 2.Nc3 and he or she plays 2...d5.
ok
I was reading this one English book and came across this variation. Looks solid and fun. This is the beginning part of a game. The line is a3 in the four knights variation and this is an example position.
(Could someone pls tell me if the board is appearing on my post because it is not showing on my end)
Im about 1700 rated otb, and play the english. Mainly just because im too lazy to learn any real openings, but as ive been playing my games have been very boring as almost everybody plays either e6 or Nf6 to try and convert the position. I was wondering if there are any interesting lines/ideas I can use to surprise them?