1.c4 e5 – Top-Level Repertoire against the English Opening – Part 2

We are happy to present the second and final part of Avrukh’s repertoire against the English opening. In Part 1 of this project, Avrukh presented full repertoire for Black after 1.c4 e5 2.Nc3. In this database, he covers all White’s alternatives on move 2.

As usual, Avrukh prefers the most principled lines where, however, he finds very fresh and less explored concepts. After studying the material, you will be able to face the English Opening at any level.

The course consists of 12 theoretical chapters, 12 interactive test positions, a Memory Booster, and a Video Version (5h and 37min).

Let’s make a brief overview of the theoretical chapters.

Chapter 1 features the move 2.a3 which is very well met by 2…c6.

Black is ready to build a strong pawn centre by means of …d7-d5. This idea would be a recurring theme in the database. In the analysis to Chapter 1, you will see that even the most principled 3.d4 fails to bring White an advantage.

Chapter 2 is dedicated to the position arising after 2.e3 Nf6

Since 3.Nc3 is covered in Part 1 of this project, Chapter 2 will focus on the moves 3.a3 and 3.d4. Concrete analysis shows that Black can even overtake the initiative in this line.

Chapter 3 is dedicated to 2.d3 to which Avrukh suggests 2…Bb4+ 3.Nd2 c5!?

This is already a well-established variation, played by several strong grandmasters. In all the lines, Black has decent play with good chances to fight for a win.

The alternative 3.Bd2 is covered in Chapter 4. As concrete analysis shows, Black has nothing to worry about in this line.

The following two chapters feature the position arising after 2.Nf3 e4 3.Nd4 Nc6

We have Alapin reversed position without c6-move. Therefore, Black can take advantage of the pawn still being on c7 by developing the knight on an active square.

In this position, White’s main move is 4.e3 which is the specialty of Alexander Rakhmanov. This move is extensively covered in Chapter 6. All the alternatives are examined in Chapter 5.

The second half of the database is dedicated to 2.g3 which is the main alternative to 2.Nc3. The suggestion of Boris Avrukh is 2…c6.

No doubts, out of all Black choices, this is the most challenging one. Black wants to carry out d7-d5 advance.

In Chapter 7, you will see why 3.Nc3 is less precise in view of 3…d5. Very often, Black takes over the initiative in this line.

Another favourable for Black move order is 3.Bg2 d5. This position is extensively covered in Chapter 8.

Chapter 9 deals with the position arising after 2.g3 c6 3.Nf3 e4 4.Nd4

Now we have Alapin reversed with the extra move g2-g3. This is definitely more useful than a3-move. It’s no surprise that recently, many strong players have been trying this variation. After 4…d5, Avrukh examines two continuations – 5.d3 and 5.cxd5. In both cases, Black has an excellent counterplay.

The last three chapters are dedicated to the line 2.g3 c6 3.d4 Bb4+

This is the favourite move of Boris Avrukh. Black’s idea is to answer 4.Bd2 with 4…Bxd2 5.Qxd2 d6. This position is covered in Chapters 11 and 12. Black’s flexible pawn structure offers him excellent counterplay in all the lines. On the other hand, the alternatives to 4.Bd2 are covered in Chapter 10. In general, the moves 4.Nd2 and 4.Nc3 are very well met by 4…e4!. In these lines, Black can easily overtake the initiative.