English Defense with Bd3 and f5

 Here is the most interesting and aggressive English defense with Bd3 and f5 variation. In this defense black's main idea is to attack the center from sides.

When your opponent play c4 you are able to play b6 even on the first move.

1c4 b5

2.d4 e6

3.Nc3 Bb7

4.e4 Bb4 

5.Bd3

Defending the pawn on e4   and developing a piece. Here whites idea is to play Nf3 and 0-0 and his center remains intact. But things are never so easy in English defense.

In English defense black always keep pressure on opponent. 

5.f5

If white takes on f5 .then Bxg2 and black wins a whole rook.

White can take f5 only when black bishop is still on f8.

If white give check Qh+ Black king can go to Kf8.

The threat is fxe4 , how white can handle this. If white play Qc2 then black can increase the pressure Nf6.

If white play e5 ,then Bxg2 , exf6 Qxf6 and Next move we can take h1 Rook black is 2 pawns and exchange up.

1.c4 b6

2.d4 e6

3.Nc3 Bb7

4.e4 Bb4

5.Bd3 f5

6.Qc2 Nf6

7.d5 fxe4

8.Bxe4 exd5

Because of the pin on Nc3 black is already won a pawn. Black can castle and bring the Rook to e8 quickly and the opening stage is complete success for black.

Qc2 is not a good choice for white now look at the move Qe2 

Qe2 is much better idea for white. After Nf6 Queen is better placed and controlling the e file. White can take on f5

How should white continue, Here white have 2 choices Bg5 and f3.

Bg5 just take on fxe4 Bxe4,Bxf6 Qxf6 Qxe4 Bxc3 Nc6 Nf3 0-0 

Black is slightly better because of whites double pawn.

Now look at f3 

Now d4 pawn become a target now white can't play Nf3 to defend d4.

.....Nc6

d5Nd4

Other 

Be3 fxe4

fxe4 e5

d5 Nd4

Let us look at another continuation 

1.c4 b6

2.d4 e6

3.Nc3 Bb7

4.e4 Bb4

5.Bd3 f5

6.d5

It is important no to play passively here, If you play too passively, your bishop on b7 will ne useless, Keep playing actively find active ideas. 

..6 fxe4

7.Bxe4 Qh4 

The main idea is Queen take e4 and if bishop moves Qxc4

8.Qe2 Nf6

9.Bf3 0-0

10.dxc6 Nc6

Do not be afraid to scarifies pawns in English defense. Sacrifices the pawns if you get quick development.'

11. g3 Qd4

12.Bd2 Ba6

13.cxd7 Bxc4

14. Qe3 Qxd7

Black is very active here.

Look at a interesting game of former world champion Spassky 

1.c4 b6

2.d4 e6

3.Nc3 Bb7

4.e4 Bb4

5.Bd3 f5

6.Qh5 g6

7.Qe2 

Keep attacking on the center if your opponent defends attack something else.

Keep chipping away at the center.

....7 Nf6

8.f3 Nc6

9.e5 Nd4

10 .Qf2 Nh5

11. Qd4 Bc5

I think you will be wining your games with English defense.