A40
English Defense
1. d4 b6
In the English Defense, aim to understand the plans and pawn structures, not just memorize the first moves.
The English Defense is a chess opening classified under ECO code A40. It is reached after the moves 1. d4 b6: 2 moves in, with White to play.
Learn its typical plans and pawn structures rather than memorizing moves — that’s what holds up over the board.
5 named variations branch from this position; the list at the end of the page goes one move deeper into each.
Play the English Defense? See where you go wrong.
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Analyze my games free →Variations of the English Defense
- Eastbourne Gambit1. d4 b6 2. c4 Bb7 3. Nc3 e5
- Hartlaub Gambit Accepted1. c4 e6 2. d4 b6 3. Nc3 Bb7 4. e4 f5 5. exf5 Nf6
- Hartlaub Gambit Declined1. c4 e6 2. d4 b6 3. Nc3 Bb7 4. e4 f5 5. d5
- Perrin Variation1. d4 e6 2. c4 b6 3. e4 Bb7 4. Bd3 Nc6
- Poli Gambit1. d4 e6 2. c4 b6 3. e4 Bb7 4. f3 f5 5. exf5 Nh6
Related openings
Queen's Pawn GameAustralian DefenseBenoni Defense: Franco-Sicilian HybridBorg Defense: Borg GambitColle System: Pterodactyl VariationColle System: Siroccopteryx VariationEnglish DefenseEnglish Defense: Eastbourne GambitEnglish Defense: Hartlaub Gambit AcceptedEnglish Defense: Hartlaub Gambit Declined