1.c4
e5
2.Nc3
Nc6
3.Nf3
Nf6
The most popular line classified under A29 and probably the most critical test for White is the reversed colors Dragon:
4.g3
d5
5.cxd5
Nxd5
6.Bg2
Nb6
7.0-0
Be7
How can it be that Black embarks in such a sharp opening accepting to be a tempo down? Isn't the Dragon renown for the fact that every move is of capital importance? Well, first of all, Black will, of course, avoid castling long, except for particular cases.
Secondly, many lines that are acceptable for Black in the Dragon, for leading to a comfortable equality cannot satisfy White in the English Opening. Because of the more direct contact of the pieces than in the other lines, knowledge of concrete moves has a more important role. White's general plan is, of course, to put pressure on the enemy Queen side. A central break under favorable circumstances (d3-d4, or e2-e4 followed by d3-d4) would be most welcome. Black can only rarely think to launch an early attack against the white King. Besides, he should be more careful when pushing Pawns than White in the Dragon. In the intermediate phase between the opening and the middle game, he should limit himself to defensive or preventive actions. Of big importance are the c5 and d4 squares. There are 2 situations when a white Knight on c5 would seriously threaten the black Queen side: the first one, if Be7xc5 is not possible the second one if the Knight is supported by Pb4, which would be made possible by bxc5, opening the b-file for the White Rooks. Sometimes, other pieces or, more rarely, the Queen.
Similarly, one of Black's main ideas is to install the Knight on d 4. As a result of the exchange on d4, a black Pawn crosses the middle of the board; depending on each concrete situation, it can be a strong Pawn, ensuring advantage of space for Black, or a weakness, around which White can build his play. An alternative to Nxd4 is Nd2 followed by e3, pushing the Knight back. White can also make a neutral developing move, keeping both mentioned ideas available.
White has a surprisingly wide range of systems of development at his disposal: 8.d3 0-0 9.a3 a5 10.Be3 Be6 11.Na4, 8.a3 0-0 9.b4 Be6 10.Rb1 f6 11.d3 a5 12.b5 Nd4 13.Nd2, 8.Rb1 Be 6 9.b3, and some older setups, based on Be3
[8.a3 0-0 9.b4 Be6 10.Rb1 f6 11.d3 a5 12.b5 Nd4 13.Nd2
8...0-0 9.a3 a5 10.Be3 Be6 11.Na4