In short: Playing as White an opening that normally belongs to Black, with the colors reversed and an extra tempo. 1. c4 e5, for example, is called the Reversed Sicilian.
A reversed opening is one where White plays an opening that normally belongs to Black, with the colors reversed. White makes the same moves Black usually makes, and since White moves first, White has an extra tempo.
The best-known example is the English Opening after 1. c4 e5. White has the pawn on the c-file and Black on the e-file, just as in the Sicilian Defense, but with the colors swapped. That is why it is called the Reversed Sicilian.
The same plans, a move ahead
The plans in a reversed opening are much the same as in the original. The difference is the tempo. White can often play more actively than Black does with the colors reversed, because White is a move ahead. Read about tempo.
The English Opening has many other lines than 1... e5, and it often turns into other openings altogether. Read about the English Opening and about transposition.
Frequently asked questions
What does White gain from the extra tempo?
White can often play more actively than Black does in the same opening, because White is a move ahead.
Is the English Opening always a Reversed Sicilian?
No, only when Black answers 1... e5. The English Opening has many other lines and often turns into other openings altogether.
Updated November 14, 2026