... c6 In the english

Hi,

I've always got some touble with those move, I would like to know what would the correct reaction to c6.

After 1. c4 c6 , your choices are basically:
2. e4 which transposes to a variation of the Caro-Kann after 2... d5
or
2. d4 which transposes to the Slav after 2... d5 (2. Nc3 is also playable, but commits to a specific variation of the Slav, whereas 2. d4 is more flexible)
or
the Reti Opening with either 2. Nf3 or 2. g3 or 2. e3 or 2. b3 or 2. d3 (of which 2. Nf3 is probably best)

All of the above are reasonable and your choice is a matter of style.

I've seen a friend of mine using Nf3, And a player playing it on Uchess, tought his opponent were not good.

Originally posted by AudreyxSophie
I've seen a friend of mine using Nf3, And a player playing it on Uchess, tought his opponent were not good.

I would recommend 2.Nc3. I don't know why it's better than any other move, but I like it. the game usually follows 2...d5 3.cxd5 cxd5 4.d4 and usually a closed, symmetrical game arises.

What if e5 has already been pushed ?

Originally posted by AudreyxSophie
What if e5 has already been pushed ?

when, exactly? It's difficult to comment without lines.

Like this...


1. c4 e5. 2. g3 Nf6 3.Bg3 and now, ... c6.

Originally posted by AudreyxSophie
Like this...


1. c4 e5. 2. g3 Nf6 3.Bg3 and now, ... c6.

I have analyzed and annotated one of my games in that opening!
http://blog.chess.com/philidor_position/finally-broke-1900

the idea there is that now 4.d4! doesn't lose tempo because Nc6 isn't possible. (after exd4 Qxd4)

I prefer to go for a bottvinnik position or sicilianish position. I play c5 and follow with e6 and develop. Once white forces me to protect my c5 pawn I play d6 and then I have a pretty comftorable position. Black really has a lot of say in what type of positions will come about in the opening. e5 is also a good move because it limits white to what he can do.

Finaly, I'll forget about d4, stupid move and play Nf3 then if e4, Nd4..

Seem way better then d4... after which he push the pawn anyway

Qa4 would be logical too.

So harsh, critical and rude for a player of your caliber! I'd love to see your refutation of 4. d4, given that it's been played by the likes of Kasparov, Topalov, Gelfand, and Ivanuck, and is the most popular move. It's also recommended in Tony Kosten's famous book on the English Opening.

I dont like the fact that it does not prevent ... d5, as planned by black.

Originally posted by AudreyxSophie
I dont like the fact that it does not prevent ... d5, as planned by black.

Actually it does. 1.c4 e5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 c6 4.d4! d5 5.dxe5 Ne4 6.cxd5 cxd5 7.Bxe4 dxe4 8.Qxd8+ Kxd8 most other lines end up also a pawn down or worse. Edit: whereas after 4.Nf3 e4 5.Nd4 and now ...d5 is just fine and 4.Qa4 Na6 5.Nc3 Nc5 6.Qd1 d5 is pretty passive for white. edit2: and 4...exd4 5.Qxd4 d5 6.Bg5 Be7 7.cxd5 cxd5 8.Nc3 Nc6 9.Qa4 is good. i have played this thrice and won thrice... and you could also just follow the book.

too bad, I have no book on the english.

Originally posted by AudreyxSophie
too bad, I have no book on the english.

well you came on here asking for help and you shunned the answers that were given by people who have books on the english and/or have studied it. what makes you think people will want to help in the future? when you are just rude and answer your own question anyway.