What strange replies have you come across at white in the English?  What have you tried yourself against the English when it's played against you? 

Below is the first few moves of a game I just finished up.  Black is, I think, playing an inferior opening, but if you see where I could have come ahead with more than a pawn, let me know.

I like to finchetto the kings bishop early with 1. c4 2. g3 3. Bg2.

I got an unusual response today...

 

 It was kind of irritating, as having control of the h1-a8 diagonal is kind of central to the English. I blocked his bishop with e4, which then of course renders my kings bishop largely useless.

Any better move I could have gone with?

How did you respond?  What were the moves leading up to this position.  I think I'd want to play e4 in this position, following up with Nc3, and I'm not much of a e4 guy.

If you get a chance, post the first ten or so moves; I'd like to see how it plays out.

rednblack

I looked at the moves you posted in your game and I think an improvement would have been 9.Qxc6 bxc6 10.Nxe4.  You have won a pawn and black's queenside pawns are a mess.

David

by rookandladder

I believe e2-e4 is the best respone.  When black played his Bishop to c6 he takes away a key post for his b8-Knight.  Black should be looking to control d4.  You could have continued with the following setup.  After e4, Nc3, Nge2, O-O, and either d4 attacking in the center or if kingside attack then after O-O, d3, h3, f4.

David

I think you're right.  9. QxQ is much better

It is always easier to see better moves after the fact or from the sidelines.  I'll have to learn how to post a game so others can comment on my play.