The English Opening, move by move

White starts on the side with c4 and controls the centre from a distance. You play White. Opening code A29.

1. 1. c4 Controls d5 from the side and keeps White's options open.
2. 1… e5 Black takes the centre straight away.
3. 2. Nc3 Develops and controls d5 again.
4. 2… Nf6 Develops and prepares d5.
5. 3. g3 Prepares to put the bishop on g2, where it looks down the long diagonal.
6. 3… d5 Black grabs the centre with a second pawn.
7. 4. cxd5 White trades a side pawn for a central one.
8. 4… Nxd5 The knight recaptures in the centre.
9. 5. Bg2 The bishop pressures the knight on d5 and the whole long diagonal.
10. 5… Nb6 The knight steps away from the bishop's line.
11. 6. Nf3 Develops and attacks e5.
12. 6… Nc6 Defends e5.
13. 7. O-O White castles behind the fianchetto.
14. 7… Be7 Black prepares to castle. It's a Sicilian with the colours swapped and an extra move for White.

The plan from here

Fianchetto the bishop on g2, castle, and push on the queenside with a3, b4 and the rook on b1 or c1.