Chess Opening Theory/1. c4/1...Nf6/2. Nc3/2...e6

English Opening rd nd bd qd kd bd rd pd pd pd pd pd pd pd pd nd pl nl pl pl pl pl pl pl pl rl bl ql kl bl nl rl English Opening 2...e6 A flexible second move by black reaching a Nimzo-Indian or Queen's Indian defence setup is a possibility for black with good prospects as pinning the white knight at c3 weakens white's grip over the d5 square and threatens doubled pawns, not to mention that since white has not yet moved his d-pawn black might as well get a lead in development. Black should be careful about this move however as white has the option of playing 3.e4 a move that leads to the ultra sharp Mikenas Carls variation where black will require very accurate play in order to stay alive. And last but not least 3.Nf3 will lead to the more tactical lines of the symmetrical English after 3...c5 and a fight over the d4 and d5 squares will develop. Theory table . 1.c4 Nf6 2. Nc3 e6 3 4 5 Mikenas Variation e4d5 e5d4 exf6dxc3 & d4Bb4 to 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 English, Symmetrical Nf3c5 to 1.Nf3 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 English Opening References