The Rat Defense, English Rat is an irregular Queen's Pawn Game chess opening characterised by the initial moves: 1. d4 d6 2. c4 e5 The position can also arise from an English Opening move order 1.c4 d6 2.d4 e5. Another possible move order can be reached via the Englund Gambit: 1. d4 e5 2. c4 d6. The "English Rat" has been played by top players such as Aronian, Anand, Svidler, Rapport, and Smirin. Gambit lines Lisbon Gambit: 1.d4 d6 2.c4 e5 3. dxe5 Nc6, which usually continues 4. exd6 Bxd6 or (4...Qxd6). Pounds Gambit: 1. d4 d6 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 Be6 See also List of chess openings Related openings: Wade Defence Pirc Defence Modern Defence Englund Gambit References Bibliography Chess openings