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The English Opening

The Sicilian Defense is very powerful if you know how to play it. It is a very popular Defense. Many people like it so much and have so much success with it that they open with the English Opening. The English Opening is simply one move: c4.

The English Opening
  A B C D E F G H
8
7
6                
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2  
1
This has a very high success rating for white over black, however it also has a very high draw rating. In fact, it is number one for most draws with 40%. The most common defense for this is e5, but a better move is probably the Reti Defense. One of the best answers to c4 is c6. This is like the Caro-Kann Defense. It is a strong and solid move for black. Another option is f5 aiming for a kingside attack. This should be followed by Nf6 the very next move or it can blow up in your face. If you want to know the variations, look at the Sicilian Defense.  However, it is probably best to move Nf6 right away.  That way, if d4, then black can treat it like it's a Queen's Gambit.  The best way to defend against the English Opening is to convert it into another opening.  Another option is d5 treating it like the Scandinavian Defense.  Remember to not take it back immediately.  Gain an advantage in development.
 
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