A37
English Opening: Symmetrical Variation, Botvinnik System Reversed, with Nf3
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.
Top Players in this Opening
Related Openings
A30 - English Opening: Wing Gambit1057A31 - English Opening: Symmetrical Variation, Anti-Benoni Variation180A32 - English Opening: Symmetrical Variation, Anti-Benoni Variation, Spielmann Defense189A33 - English Opening: Symmetrical Variation, Anti-Benoni Variation, Geller Variation488A34 - English Opening: Symmetrical Variation610A35 - English Opening: Symmetrical Variation463A36 - English Opening: Symmetrical Variation, Botvinnik System449A38 - English Opening: Symmetrical Variation, Double Fianchetto145A39 - English Opening: Symmetrical Variation, Mecking Variation148
Best Games
Abdusattorov,Nodirbek vs Firouzja,Alireza1-0
12th Sinquefield Cup 2025Notable
So,W vs Abdusattorov,Nodirbek0-1
Tata Steel India Blitz 2024Notable
Keymer,Vincent vs Navara,D1-0
56th Biel GM Rapid 2023 2023Notable
So,W vs Anand,V1/2-1/2
10th Norway Chess 2022 2022Notable
So,W vs Svidler,P1-0
8th Sinquefield Cup 2021 2021Notable
Wang Hao vs Giri,A1/2-1/2
FIDE Candidates 2020 2020Notable
Svidler,P vs Gelfand,B1/2-1/2
Geneva Grand Prix 2017 2017Notable
Giri,A vs So,W1/2-1/2
5th Norway Chess 2017 2017Notable
Gelfand,B vs Anand,V0-1
Zurich Korchnoi CC 2017 2017Notable
Aronian,L vs Topalov,V0-1
8th London Classic 2016 2016Notable
Adams,Mi vs Caruana,F1/2-1/2
8th London Classic 2016 2016Notable
Nakamura,Hi vs Grischuk,A1/2-1/2
3rd Norway Chess 2015 2015Notable
Nakamura,Hi vs Dominguez Perez,L1/2-1/2
Baku FIDE Grand Prix 2014 2014Notable
Kramnik,V vs Carlsen,M1/2-1/2
4th London Chess Classic 2012Notable
Giri,A vs Gelfand,B1/2-1/2
40th Olympiad Open 2012Notable
Kramnik,V vs Nepomniachtchi,I0-1
6th Tal Memorial 2011Notable
Gelfand,B vs Grischuk,A1/2-1/2
WCh Candidates 2011Notable
Gelfand,B vs Grischuk,A1/2-1/2
WCh Candidates 2011Notable
Aronian,L vs Grischuk,A0-1
WCh Candidates 2011Notable
Kamsky,G vs Grischuk,A0-1
39th Olympiad Men 2010Notable