Tree path 4 levels Queen's Pawn Game › Queen's Pawn Game › Old Indian Defense › Rat Defense: English Rat
- Chess Codex
- Queen's Pawn Game A40
- Queen's Pawn Game A41
- Old Indian Defense A41
- Rat Defense: English Rat A41 you are here
Rat Defense: English Rat
Overview
Rat Defense: English Rat is a specific line in the Flank Openings family (ECO A41), 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.
It is reached after 4 plies of play, with the move sequence 1. d4 d6 2. c4 e5.
The line refines Old Indian Defense, which traces back to the root opening Queen's Pawn Game.
The line splits into 2 documented sub-systems: Lisbon Gambit, Pounds 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
- A41
- Group
- Flank Openings (A)
- Plies
- 4
- Parent
- Old Indian Defense
- Direct variations
- 2
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
1,515,769 games · White 44.1% / Draw 6.6% / Black 49.3%
| Moves | Games | W / D / B |
|---|---|---|
| dxe5 | 709,620 | |
| d5 | 281,109 | |
| Nc3 | 209,495 | |
| Nf3 | 179,039 | |
| e3 | 114,693 | |
| e4 | 12,349 | |
| g3 | 6,270 | |
| a3 | 585 |
Source: Lichess Opening Explorer · cached 2026-09-26 00:55:51
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