Tree path 2 levels Queen's Pawn Game › English Defense
- Chess Codex
- Queen's Pawn Game A40
- English Defense A40 you are here
English Defense
Overview
English Defense is a specific line in the Flank Openings family (ECO A40), arising from a recognised theoretical position.
The Flank Openings group covers flank openings — systems that delay the central pawn break and instead develop pieces and pawns on the wings.
The line arises from 2 plies — specifically the moves 1. d4 b6.
The line is a first-level refinement of Queen's Pawn Game.
It continues primarily into one named line, Eastbourne Gambit.
Explore the position on the interactive board, study its real-world results from Lichess, and challenge the engine when you are ready.
- ECO code
- A40
- Group
- Flank Openings (A)
- Plies
- 2
- Parent
- Queen's Pawn Game
- Direct variations
- 1
This overview is generated automatically from the opening's metadata. Know this line well? Write a description — submissions are reviewed before publishing.
Statistics from Lichess
11,362,859 games · White 50.8% / Draw 4.4% / Black 44.7%
| Moves | Games | W / D / B |
|---|---|---|
| c4 | 3,939,155 | |
| e4 | 2,035,059 | |
| Nf3 | 1,779,903 | |
| Bf4 | 1,695,050 | |
| e3 | 766,503 | |
| Nc3 | 428,543 | |
| Bg5 | 177,446 | |
| c3 | 131,997 |
Source: Lichess Opening Explorer · cached 2026-09-26 00:48:58
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