Reti Opening
1.Nf3 d5
An opening for White
The hypermodern classic: control the centre with pieces, not pawns.
Show me the opening
0 / 2 moves
The idea
White develops the knight to f3 and avoids pushing central pawns early, instead controlling the centre with pieces. A highly flexible approach that can transpose into many systems.
The plan
Fianchetto the bishop to g2, castle, and control d5 from afar. Then play c4 to challenge Black's centre once pieces are developed. The Reti is about long-term pressure, not immediate confrontation.
What to play next
After g3 and Bg2, castle early for safety. Black often pins the knight with ...Bg4, which is easily met with d3. Then play c4 to start the hypermodern pressure on d5. Black plays ...Nbd7 and ...e6 to develop and support the centre. White's next goal is to exchange the c4 pawn for Black's d5 pawn to gain space.
1.Nf3 d5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 c6 4.O-O Bg4 5.d3 Nbd7 6.c4 e6
Watch the typical continuation
Show me the opening
0 / 12 moves
One tip for beginners
The Reti teaches the hypermodern concept: you don't need to occupy the centre with pawns - you can control it with pieces. Play g3, Bg2, O-O, and c4 in any order.
What to watch out for
Don't delay c4 indefinitely. The plan is to control d5 from the side and eventually challenge it. If you never play c4, you've lost the whole point.
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