Chessy
English Opening: Anglo-Indian Defense, Scandinavian Defense as Black
After 1.c4 Nf6 2.Nf3 d5, White gets to choose the character of the game, but the position already carries a warning sign for Black. Stockfish rates this +0.92, a clear edge for White. That means you are already worse here, so your first job is to know the best reply and avoid drifting into the most common, and often less accurate, continuations. Use the drill below to practise the critical move and learn what White usually chooses next.
Play the English Opening: Anglo-Indian Defense, Scandinavian Defense against the engine
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Create a free account →The critical move to know
The engine’s best move is cxd5, and that is the move you should know first. In the engine line, cxd5 Nxd5 d4 Bf5 follows. The main practical lesson is simple: when White opens the centre here, Black should respond in a way that keeps the position active and avoids passive development. If you can remember this one idea, you will already be better prepared than many players who reach this exact position.
What the numbers say about this position
This exact position has been played in 425,744 games in the Lichess database, so it is a very real battleground and not a rare sideline. White wins 54.5%, draws 3.8%, and Black wins 41.7%. Those numbers match the engine’s warning: White has the more pleasant game, and Black needs accuracy. Your goal is not to “equalise by habit” but to meet White’s next move with a clear plan.
White’s most common choices and what to watch for
White’s most-played continuation is cxd5 with 195,484 games and a White score of 57.0%. After that come e3 with 67,207 games and 52.7%, d4 with 54,027 games and 53.4%, g3 with 45,978 games and 54.8%, Nc3 with 30,285 games and 49.7%, and b3 with 18,188 games and 52.0%. The practical lesson is that White has several sensible setups, but the most common and strongest-looking route is still the capture on d5, so you should be ready for it first.
The moves that go wrong most often
The database flags two important inaccuracies here: e3 is an inaccuracy, and g3 is also an inaccuracy. It also marks Nc3 as a mistake. In each case, the better move was cxd5. That tells you something useful as Black: if White delays the central capture, you may get a more comfortable game than the opening statistics suggest. Still, because White starts with the advantage, you should treat every move carefully and not assume the position will solve itself.
Results across 425,744 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| cxd5 | 195,484 | 57.0% |
| e3 | 67,207 | 52.7% |
| d4 | 54,027 | 53.4% |
| g3 | 45,978 | 54.8% |
| Nc3 | 30,285 | 49.7% |
| b3 | 18,188 | 52.0% |
Frequently asked questions
What is the main idea for Black in this opening?
Black’s main job is to answer the position accurately after 1.c4 Nf6 2.Nf3 d5. The engine’s top move is **cxd5**, and that is the move to learn first. If White does not take on d5 right away, you should still stay alert, because White’s results in this exact position are better overall.
Is this position good for Black?
No. Stockfish rates it +0.92, a clear edge for White. That means you are already worse, so your aim is to defend actively and know the best continuation rather than hoping for a harmless equal game.
What is White most likely to play here?
The most-played continuation is **cxd5**, with **195,484 games**. White also often plays **e3**, **d4**, **g3**, **Nc3**, or **b3**. Among these, the statistics show that the capture on d5 is the most important move for you to be ready for.
Which White moves are especially inaccurate?
The database marks **e3** and **g3** as inaccuracies, and **Nc3** as a mistake. In all three cases, the better move was **cxd5**. That is useful practical information, because it tells you which slow setups are less challenging if White chooses them.
How many games feature the English Opening: Anglo-Indian Defense, Scandinavian Defense?
Over 425K Lichess games have reached the English Opening: Anglo-Indian Defense, Scandinavian Defense position. White wins 54.5%, Black wins 41.7%, with 3.8% draws — based on real rated games.