Learn
The big idea
What the Réti Opening is really about.
A flexible, hypermodern flank opening. Instead of planting a pawn in the centre, White develops the knight and attacks Black's d5-pawn from the wing with c4, often adding a fianchetto. The Réti frequently transposes into other systems, so it is as much a way of thinking — pressure the centre from a distance — as a fixed set of moves.
- White's plan: Pressure d5 from the flank with c4 and a kingside fianchetto, castle quickly, and keep the structure flexible so you can choose the most favourable central break or transposition once Black commits.
- Black's plan: Decide how to meet the c4 pressure — support d5, exchange on c4, or push ...d4 to gain space — then develop soundly and contest the long diagonal White is fighting over.
What is the core Réti idea behind 1.Nf3 and 2.c4?
Answer the question to keep going!