Réti Opening

The idea

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.

Your plan (White)

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.

Heading into the middlegame

The Réti is a way of thinking: pressure the centre from the wings, stay flexible, and transpose into whatever favours you. Fianchetto Bg2, castle, and keep options open — trade on d5 and pressure it, expand with b3/Bb2 (double fianchetto), or play d4 and slide into a Catalan/QGD a tempo up. If Black overextends with ...d4, undermine it (e3, the c-pawn, or a quick b4) rather than blockading. Let Black commit the structure first, then pick the one that suits you.