English Opening
Overview
English Opening is a major root opening in the Flank Openings family (ECO A10). It serves as the entry point for a wide subtree of named variations.
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 1 ply — specifically the moves 1. c4.
11 distinct sub-variations branch from this opening; prominent examples include Agincourt Defense, Anglo-Dutch Defense, Anglo-Indian Defense, and others.
Across every depth of the tree this branch holds 179 documented sub-variations, reflecting decades of analytical work.
Use the board to walk through every move, check how the position has scored on Lichess, or take it head-to-head against Stockfish.
- ECO code
- A10
- Group
- Flank Openings (A)
- Plies
- 1
- Direct variations
- 11
- Total in subtree
- 179
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
101,529,932 games · White 50.4% / Draw 5.3% / Black 44.3%
| Moves | Games | W / D / B |
|---|---|---|
| e5 | 28,893,656 | |
| Nf6 | 21,201,070 | |
| c5 | 12,163,510 | |
| e6 | 11,172,037 | |
| c6 | 6,530,290 | |
| d5 | 6,264,301 | |
| g6 | 5,958,341 | |
| d6 | 3,128,517 |
Source: Lichess Opening Explorer · cached 2026-09-26 00:39:36
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Variations (11)
Show all 179 sub-variations (full subtree)
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