read books on the opening rather than relying on the collective opinions of other chess players, who probably don't know as much as a professional would
how to properly play the english opening
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I think the English is extremely flexible. White has commited to NOTHING except controlling d5, a key square, and from there, he can create his piece and pawn configuration according to how his opponent responds. I would recommend supporting your son with this opening...the key idea is that he has chosen an opening that he can dedicate a lifetime to and not swallow, I believe. I have played the English a few times, and I fair much better with it than its counterpart...but that may just be a mind thing, also! Anyway, let's talk about the basic idea of the English - controlling d5. At the crudest overprotection of d5 that you can get, we would play moves like c4, g3/Bg2, e4, Nc3, Qb3, and even Ne4-f4 if you can pull off the setup. Now, that is pretty boneheaded (maybe), but you could aim for total control of that square. Once you control that square so adamantly, you try to maybe place a knight there, and cripple any possibility of Black's counterattacking your control of that square. A person who has control over that portion of the board can control more of the queenside action...especially with the bishop cutting across the center of the board from g2, which also serves to protect the king.
Have your son play the opening and try to understand the themes behind it, as with any opening. The only weakness I could think of (which really isn't a weakness) is that you allow Black to play ...e5 immediately, but then they lose a bit of control over d5 - and I notice many players from the Black side fighting for control of d5 by playing Nf6. This tells me that the fight for d5 is critical in many players' minds.
Reading books, reviewing games, and practice. That (I think) is the holy trinity of mastering an opening.
Sep 5, 2008
0
#5
I play the English a lot. The Kosten book is quite good, but it needs another to supplement it - haven't tried the Karpov book, but it gets good reviews. The new John Watson book coming out soon covers flank openings including the English - another must buy. It is very flexible - you get a battle Queenside, but can often swing your attack Kingside if the opportunity allows. A very sound opening. Every now and again an opponent will panic because it's not E4 or D4 and throw away the game in the first 10 moves. Be careful not to give away advanced support points for the black knights too easily or things can go horribly wrong.
It is important to have some familiarity with D4 openings - especially the Slav, as it can often transpose into this.
ok sir il inform my kid. so what your trying to say is slav is the usual defense to english?
Apokalyps wrote:
read books on the opening rather than relying on the collective opinions of other chess players, who probably don't know as much as a professional would
thanks for the advice sir. how is wish i have enough resource. we live in the countryside in our country and we barely have enough books and in case there are available they are too expensive sir
diskamyl wrote:
Yes, there are two good books, "the dynamic english" by Kosten and "how to play the english opening" by karpov. and a few tips from a patzer if you don't mind: most english games are slow maneuvering games, there's no hurry to take immediate action and rely on tactics, many of them turn into a battle of dominating the queenside, and sometimes having control over d5 for white and d4 for black. another thing that comes to mind is that you should be comfortable with fianchettos, I exclusively start with 1.c4 and 2.g3, and usually end up having the other bishop fianchettoed too, covering the soft c4 pawn with b3 and playing Bb2.
how i wish sir i could have a copy or summary of its contents. we live in countryside in our country with limited books and resources. i will print out your comment for my son to read thanks sir
I don't know about other lines but the c4 e5 one I know very well, as that is my response. I think the most important thing for white in this line to take control of the white squares, or more importantly, the h1 to a8 diagonal. Sometimes white chooses to give his dark square bishop for the knight on f6 in order to stablise control on the square. White usually hacks the queen side whilst black goes for a kingside attack like in the KID (King's Indian Defence)
BirdBrain wrote:
I think the English is extremely flexible. White has commited to NOTHING except controlling d5, a key square, and from there, he can create his piece and pawn configuration according to how his opponent responds. I would recommend supporting your son with this opening...the key idea is that he has chosen an opening that he can dedicate a lifetime to and not swallow, I believe. I have played the English a few times, and I fair much better with it than its counterpart...but that may just be a mind thing, also! Anyway, let's talk about the basic idea of the English - controlling d5. At the crudest overprotection of d5 that you can get, we would play moves like c4, g3/Bg2, e4, Nc3, Qb3, and even Ne4-f4 if you can pull off the setup. Now, that is pretty boneheaded (maybe), but you could aim for total control of that square. Once you control that square so adamantly, you try to maybe place a knight there, and cripple any possibility of Black's counterattacking your control of that square. A person who has control over that portion of the board can control more of the queenside action...especially with the bishop cutting across the center of the board from g2, which also serves to protect the king. Have your son play the opening and try to understand the themes behind it, as with any opening. The only weakness I could think of (which really isn't a weakness) is that you allow Black to play ...e5 immediately, but then they lose a bit of control over d5 - and I notice many players from the Black side fighting for control of d5 by playing Nf6. This tells me that the fight for d5 is critical in many players' minds.
thanks thanks for that very good advice sir i will print out your comment for my kid's consumption. he is only 10 but above average as far as chess is concern though in regional meets he is at far with his fellow competitors. how i wish he could reach national level
i wanted everyone to comment regarding the english opening which is the pet opening of my youngest kid. he loves it that in every opportunity he handles white, it is also sure that he will be relying on it. he has much success of course but i have doubt if he can hold it in facing much tougher opponents. if any one can help in giving review regarding the english opening. on how to handle it and its advantages, strong points and its weak points, the things to anticipate and point of attack thanks.