FENrnbqk2r/pppp2pp/5n2/2b1pp2/2P5/2NP2P1/PP2PPBP/R1BQK1NR b KQkq -
English: King's, 2.Nc3 f5: what to play after d3?
Best move
O-O+0.31
By playing O-O, you prioritize king safety and complete your development before the center opens up. It tucks the g8 away and prepares to bring the f8 into the game, maintaining a…
- Games played
- 38K
- To move
- Black
- Evaluation
- +0.31
- Depth
- 22
Game counts: Lichess opening book. Move ranking and evaluation: Stockfish. How this page is built
Why O-O is the best move
O-O! — Excellent Choice!
✅ One of 3 top moves — you found a winning strategy!
Why this move is excellent:
By playing O-O, you prioritize king safety and complete your development before the center opens up. It tucks the g8 away and prepares to bring the f8 into the game, maintaining a flexible and solid structure.
Multiple Valid Strategies
| Move | Eval | Style / Strategic Idea |
|---|---|---|
| O-O | +0.31 | Safety First: Prioritizes king protection and standard development. |
| Nc6 | +0.38 | Development: Develops the c6 to control the center and d4. |
| Bb4 | +0.42 | Active/Probing: Pins the c3 or forces White to make a decision with the c1. |
Different paths, same destination: You had three excellent ways to handle this opening. While O-O is the most solid and human choice (played by 42% of players), Nc6 is a classic developing move that keeps the pressure on the center. Bb4 is more provocative, immediately challenging White's coordination. All three keep the game balanced and give Black great prospects.
Your Continuation
After O-O:
Nf3 Nc6 Nxe5 Bxf2+ Kxf2
What Made This Move Good
You correctly saw: That the e5 is currently a target, but castling allows you to meet White's central pressure with tactical resources. For example, if White tries to win the pawn with Nxe5, you have the powerful response Bxf2+, drawing the White f2 out into the open.
📚 Takeaway: In positions with multiple good moves, trust your style—whether you prefer the safety of castling or the activity of a piece pin, both are objectively strong here!
What else gets played here
Move choices from 38K games in the opening book, with the engine's evaluation of each.
| Move | Evaluation | Played | Games | White score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| O-OEngine pick | +0.31 | 31K | 54% | |
| Nc6 | +0.38 | 6.6K | 54% | |
| a5 | +0.48 | 388 | 53% | |
| Bb4 | +0.42 | 0 | — | |
| Bb6 | +0.47 | 0 | — |
The line
More positions in the English
All English positions →Frequently asked questions
What is the best move for Black in the English: King's, 2.Nc3 f5?
O-O (+0.31). By playing O-O, you prioritize king safety and complete your development before the center opens up. It tucks the g8 away and prepares to bring the f8 into the game, maintaining a…
Why is O-O the best move here?
By playing O-O, you prioritize king safety and complete your development before the center opens up. It tucks the g8 away and prepares to bring the f8 into the game, maintaining a flexible and solid structure.
How often does this position occur?
This position has been reached 38K times in the opening book.