FENrnbqkbnr/pppp1ppp/8/4p3/8/3P4/PPP1PPPP/RNBQKBNR w KQkq -
Mieses Opening: Reversed Rat: what to play after e5?
Best move
c4+0.04
By playing c4, you transition into an English Opening structure. This move exerts immediate pressure on the d5 square and prepares a flank development for your light-squared…
- Games played
- 7.00M
- To move
- White
- Evaluation
- +0.04
- Depth
- 25
Why c4 is the best move
c4! — Excellent Choice!
✅ One of 2 top moves — you found a winning strategy!
Why this move is excellent:
By playing c4, you transition into an English Opening structure. This move exerts immediate pressure on the d5 square and prepares a flank development for your light-squared bishop. It is a sophisticated, non-natural choice that 0% of average human players find in this specific position!
Multiple Valid Strategies
| Move | Eval | Style / Strategic Idea |
|---|---|---|
| c4 | +0.04 | Positional: Controls the center from the flank and prepares a queenside expansion. |
| Nf3 | +0.01 | Flexible: Develops a piece, prepares castling, and keeps options open for the c2 and e2 pawns. |
Different paths, same destination: While Nf3 is a standard developing move favored by about 13% of players, your choice of c4 is much more ambitious. It fights for the center using pawns rather than pieces, leading to a complex strategic battle where White often aims for a long-term positional squeeze.
Your Continuation
After c4:
Nc6 Nf3 Nf6 g3
What Made This Move Good
You correctly saw: That the center doesn't have to be occupied by the e2 or d2 pawns immediately. By using the "c" pawn, you create a hypermodern setup that challenges Black to find a response to your pressure on d5.
📚 Takeaway: In positions with multiple good moves, trust your style! You chose a rare, high-level path that most players overlook.
What else gets played here
Move choices from 7.00M games in the opening book, with the engine's evaluation of each.
| Move | Evaluation | Played | Games | White score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| c4Engine pick | +0.04 | 0 | 0% | |
| Nf3 | +0.01 | 0 | 0% | |
| e4 | -0.12 | 0 | 0% | |
| g3 | -0.26 | 0 | 0% | |
| Nd2 | -0.30 | 0 | 0% |
The line
More positions in the Mieses Opening
All Mieses Opening positions →Frequently asked questions
What is the best move for White in the Mieses Opening: Reversed Rat?
c4 (+0.04). By playing c4, you transition into an English Opening structure. This move exerts immediate pressure on the d5 square and prepares a flank development for your light-squared…
Why is c4 the best move here?
By playing c4, you transition into an English Opening structure. This move exerts immediate pressure on the d5 square and prepares a flank development for your light-squared bishop. It is a sophisticated, non-natural choice that 0% of average human players find in this specific position!
How often does this position occur?
This position has been reached 7.00M times in the opening book.