A12

Réti Opening: Anglo-Slav Variation

Key moves: 1.c4

The English Opening is a flexible first move that can transpose into many different opening systems. It controls the d5 square and often leads to positions where White fianchettoes on the kingside. It can lead to both positional manoeuvring and sharp tactical play.

History & Notable Players

Named after Howard Staunton who played it in the 1843 match against Saint-Amant. It became a major weapon in the 1970s through the games of Mikhail Botvinnik and has been used by virtually every World Champion since.

Best Games

Svidler,P vs Mamedyarov,S1-0
Tal Memorial Blitz 2014 • 2014★ Notable
Karpov,Ana vs Carlsen,M0-1
Tal Memorial Blitz • 2008★ Notable
Ljubojevic,L vs Gelfand,B0-1
Amber Rapidplay • 2002★ Notable
Ljubojevic,L vs Gelfand,B0-1
Amber Rapidplay • 2000★ Notable
Radjabov, Teimour vs Kundin, Alexander1-0
Wch U18 • 1999★ Notable
Ljubojevic, Ljubomir vs Kramnik, Vladimir1/2-1/2
Linares • 1993★ Notable
Timman, Jan H vs Karpov, Anatoly1/2-1/2
FIDE-Wch • 1993★ Notable
Timman, Jan H vs Jussupow, Artur1-0
Linares • 1992★ Notable
Karpov, Anatoly vs Chernin, Alexander1/2-1/2
Wch-blitz • 1988★ Notable
Lobron, Eric vs Karpov, Anatoly1/2-1/2
WchT • 1985★ Notable
Botvinnik, Mikhail vs Smyslov, Vassily1-0
World Championship 22th • 1958★ Notable
Erigaisi,Arjun vs Carlsen,M0-1
Titled Tue 10th Jun Early • 2025
Mamedyarov,S vs Kasimdzhanov,R0-1
Tbilisi FIDE GP 2015 • 2015
Radjabov,T vs Gelfand,B1/2-1/2
SportAccord Blitz 2014 • 2014
Radjabov,T vs Ivanchuk,V0-1
Trophee CCAS KO • 2008
Morozevich,A vs Vallejo Pons,F1/2-1/2
Amber Blindfold • 2005
Leko,P vs Kasparov,G1/2-1/2
Corus • 2001
Salov, Valery vs Jussupow, Artur0-1
Linares • 1991
Gelfand, Boris vs Seirawan, Yasser1/2-1/2
Tilburg • 1990
Larsen, Bent vs Timman, Jan H1-0
Brussels • 1987

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