Réti Opening: Réti Accepted

Before the first move

The Réti Opening is a sophisticated flank attack where White avoids the center initially to strike from the sides. By inviting Black to capture on c4, you create a flexible structure where your pieces can later dominate the long diagonals while Black struggles to maintain their extra pawn.

1. Nf3White · your move

Develop your knight to f3. This flexible move controls the center, prepares for kingside castling, and keeps your options open. You are preventing Black from immediately playing e5 while waiting to see how they intend to set up their defense.

1... d5Black

Black replies with d5, taking direct control of the center. This sets the stage for a Réti or a Queen's Gambit style structure. White now has to decide whether to continue with a flank approach like c4 or b3, or perhaps transition into a more standard d4 opening.

Other paths here: f6 (Zukertort Opening: Arctic Defense) · h6 (Zukertort Opening: Basman Defense) · Nc6 (Zukertort Opening: Black Mustang Defense) · f5 (Zukertort Opening: Dutch Variation)

2. c4White · your move

Slide your pawn to c4 to challenge the d5 pawn immediately. This is the defining move of the Réti Opening. You are offering a pawn to lure Black's central pawn away, which will allow your pieces to exert pressure on the light squares once the center opens up.

Other paths here: b3 (Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Classical Variation) · e3 (Reti: 1...d5 2.e3) · b4 (Reti: Santasiere's folly) · e4 (Reti: Tennison/Zukertort Gambit)

2... dxc4Black

Black plays dxc4, entering the Réti Accepted. While Black is a pawn up, White usually regains it easily with moves like Na3 or e3. Alternatives like d4 lead to the Advance Variation, where Black keeps the center closed and tries to cramp White's development.

Other paths here: d4 (Réti Opening: Advance Variation) · b5 (Réti Opening: Zilbermints Gambit) · c6 (Réti Opening: Anglo-Slav Variation, Bogoljubow Variation) · e6 (English Opening: Agincourt Defense, Catalan Defense)

Where you stand

The position is dynamic and rich with tactical possibilities. White will typically play e3 or Na3 to recover the c4 pawn, while Black focuses on rapid development and challenging White's control of the center. Both sides must be wary of the long a1-h8 diagonal, which often becomes the primary highway for White's light-squared bishop.

• e2-e3 Prepare to recapture the c4 pawn
• f1-c4 Bishop captures on c4 after e3
• c8-e6 Develop bishop to defend the pawn
• g7-g6 Prepare to fianchetto the kingside bishop