Rat_Defense,_English_Rat

Rat Defense, English Rat

Rat Defense, English Rat

Chess opening

The Rat Defense, English Rat[1][2] is an irregular Queen's Pawn Game chess opening characterised by the initial moves:

1. d4 d6
2. c4 e5
Quick Facts Moves, ECO ...

The position can also arise from an English Opening move order 1.c4 d6 2.d4 e5.

Another possible move order can be reached via the Englund Gambit: 1. d4 e5 2. c4 d6.

The "English Rat" has been played by top players such as Aronian, Anand, Svidler, Rapport, and Smirin.

This article uses algebraic notation to describe chess moves.

While 3.dxe5 dxe5 4. Qxd8 transposing into an endgame may initially appear to be favourable for white as black king won't be able to castle, the pawn on c4 will be restricting mobility of the white square bishop so the endgame is comfortable for black to maintain equality.

Gambit lines

  • Lisbon Gambit:[3][4] 1.d4 d6 2.c4 e5 3. dxe5 Nc6, which usually continues 4. exd6 Bxd6 or (4...Qxd6).
  • Pounds Gambit:[5] 1. d4 d6 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 Be6

See also

Related openings:

References

  1. [1]
    "Rat Defense English Rat - Chess Opening".
  2. [2]
    "Queen's Pawn Opening: English Rat Defense - Chess Openings".
  3. [3]
    "Queen's Pawn Opening: English Rat, Lisbon Gambit - Chess Openings".
  4. [4]
    "Rat Defense English Rat Lisbon Gambit - Chess Opening".
  5. [5]
    "English Rat Pounds Gambit - Chess Opening".

Bibliography

  • Jouni Yrjölä and Jussi Tella (2001). An Explosive Chess Opening Repertoire for Black. Gambit Publications Ltd. ISBN 1-901983-501.
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