English Defense
A provocative, hypermodern system with ...b6 and ...Bb7. Black invites White to overextend, then strikes at the center from the flanks.
Let's begin.
Press Learn to start, then play the moves yourself.
Play pawn to e6.
Variations in this course
Every line runs to a middlegame position with coach commentary at each fork. Playing Black, you'll meet:
- 1
Aggressive 4.e4
1.d4 e6 2.c4 b6 3.e4
Take it with you
Export this repertoire as a standard PGN — with the coach's notes as comments — to study it in Lichess, ChessBase, or any board you like. Sidelines are saved as PGN variations.
Related courses
More from the Defenses to 1.d4.
Dutch Defense
An aggressive, kingside-focused answer to 1.d4. Grab space with ...f5, aim for a big attack, and take White out of comfortable territory.
Blumenfeld Gambit
A bold central pawn sacrifice against the Benoni move order. Black grabs a big pawn center and dynamic piece play for the material.
Grünfeld Defense
A hypermodern weapon: let White build a big center, then tear it down with piece pressure and timely pawn breaks.
Queen's Gambit Accepted
One of the simplest, most reliable ways to meet 1.d4: equalize fast with clear ideas instead of a mountain of theory.