Flank openings

Réti Opening

1.Nf3 d5 2.c4

The Réti Opening starts with 1.Nf3 d5 2.c4 and is catalogued under ECO A09, in the flank openings half of the book. The catalog indexes 43 lines inside it, grouped into 20 named variations, and the position after those moves has 1 playable continuation to walk from here.

Opening repertoire map

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Current position
Réti Opening: Anglo-Slav Variation, Gurevich System
10 plies
Anglo-Slav Variation, Gurevich System
Popularity by Elo
Share of Lichess blitz, rapid, and classical games that continued with each move.
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Current setup

Move ideas

  1. 1.c4

    Controls d5 from the flank without occupying the center immediately.

    Idea: Pressure the center from the side and keep the pawn structure flexible.

  2. 1c6

    Advances the c-pawn to gain queenside space and control new squares.

    Idea: Create useful wing space while keeping the central structure flexible.

  3. 2.Nf3

    Develops the knight to f3, bringing it into the game.

    Idea: Improve piece coordination and clear the back rank for castling and the rooks.

  4. 2d5

    Advances to d5 to claim central space and control nearby key squares.

    Idea: Give the pieces room to develop behind a durable central foothold.

  5. 3.e3

    Advances to e3 to claim central space and control nearby key squares.

    Idea: Give the pieces room to develop behind a durable central foothold.

  6. 3Nf6

    Develops the knight to f6, bringing it into the game.

    Idea: Improve piece coordination and clear the back rank for castling and the rooks.

  7. 4.Nc3

    Develops the knight to c3, bringing it into the game.

    Idea: Improve piece coordination and clear the back rank for castling and the rooks.

  8. 4e6

    Advances to e6 to claim central space and control nearby key squares.

    Idea: Give the pieces room to develop behind a durable central foothold.

  9. 5.b3

    Advances the b-pawn to gain queenside space and control new squares.

    Idea: Create useful wing space while keeping the central structure flexible.

Book continuations

Waiting for Lichess game popularity.

1 move

Named variations

Each line below is an indexed entry under Réti Opening. Open one to load it on the board and keep exploring from that position.

ECO groups openings by the structures they lead to, so these families tend to share plans with the Réti Opening.