Openings
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- VOL. I • Chess HistoryFrom Chaturanga to Neural Engines
- VOL. II • Classic ChessPieces, Notation & Rules
- VOL. III • Legendary PlayersPantheon of Chess Immortals
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- VOL. V • OpeningsOriginal CAISSORA Opening Articles
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English Orangutan
An English that hurries to the wing
- Offbeat
After 1.c4 Nf6 White plays 2.b4. The idea is that of the Orangutan: win space on the queenside and bring the bishop to b2, where it eyes the centre. The b4 pawn has no defender, so the opening is risky and rare. It is played for an unexpected set-up.
2.b4
Moves
(3 plies • 2 moves)- 1–2moves
- 1.
- 2.
Defining move
2.b4 — the move that shows White's hand
The move that joins the English and the Orangutan
The pawn goes to b4, preparing Bb2 and pressure on the centre along the long diagonal. But it has no defender, and Black can go after it, for instance with …a5 or a bishop on b4. White also shows his intentions too early.
Tabiya
The position after 2.b4: Black chooses
White has grabbed space on the queenside and is preparing Bb2. Black has many sensible replies: …e6, …g6, …e5, …d5. Many of them simply develop and keep an eye on the b4 pawn. White has to show that b4 earns its place, and Black should not get greedy and forget development.
White’s plan
- Place the bishop on b2 and aim it at the centre and at f6.
- Support the b4 pawn with a3 and keep the space gained on the wing.
- Develop the knight, play g3 and Bg2, as in the English.
Black’s plan
- Develop and pick a central set-up: …e6, …g6, …e5 or …d5.
- Put pressure on the b4 pawn: …a5, or a bishop to b4 at the right moment.
- Do not get dragged into a wing game at the cost of the centre.
History
The Orangutan name for the b-pawn push is usually traced to Savielly Tartakower, who visited a zoo during the New York 1924 tournament and linked the b4 move with an orangutan he saw there. The English version simply plays the same push after 1.c4.
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