English Opening: Mikenas-Carls Variation
1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.e4 d5 · A18–A19
Part of English Opening
Starting positionWhite to move
0 / 12
Both knights disappear in a central liquidation
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The idea
White plays e4 against ...Nf6 and ...e6, challenging the centre immediately. In this sharp line, both sides exchange a knight and White accepts doubled c-pawns for central possibilities.
Main line: 1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.e4 d5 4.e5 d4 5.exf6 dxc3 6.bxc3 Qxf6
What White wants
- Develop quickly after the central exchanges
- Support the d4 break and choose a safe king position
- Coordinate the doubled c-pawns instead of assuming they provide lasting space
What Black wants
- Take on c3 and damage the pawn structure permanently
- Trade pieces to relieve the cramp
- Attack the doubled c-pawns in the endgame
Key idea
Understand this and the moves stop needing to be memorised.
Both knights disappear in a central liquidation
After e5 d4 exf6 dxc3 bxc3 Qxf6, each side has lost a knight and a central pawn. White has doubled c-pawns on c3 and c4, but no e-pawn remains. The game is about development and a possible d4 break, not preserving a pawn on e5.
Common mistake
Continuing to play as if the advanced e-pawn still exists. After ...Qxf6, develop the remaining pieces and support d4; queen raids can delay castling while Black's active queen and central pieces gain useful targets.
Representative position
The position this opening is aiming at. Copy the FEN, or open it in the analysis board and let the engine tell you what it is worth.
rnb1kb1r/ppp2ppp/4pq2/8/2P5/2P5/P2P1PPP/R1BQKBNR w KQkq - 0 7
Analyze this position