The English – Flohr Variation arises after 1.c4 e5 2.Nf3 e4. ECO code: A20.

Overview

Named after Czech-Soviet GM Salo Flohr. With 2...e4, Black gains central space and displaces the knight. White retreats to 3.Nd4 and seeks to undermine the advanced pawn.

Strategic Themes & Plans

Black's e4-pawn can be a strength (space) or weakness (target). White aims to undermine it with d3, while Black seeks to support it with ...d5 or ...f5. The resulting positions are somewhat unusual and can catch unprepared opponents off guard.