ECO code: A06
Reti: Nimzowitsch-Larsen, 2...Bg4 Nd7
This opening arises after the moves 1. Nf3 d5 2. b3 Bg4 3. Bb2 Nd7. It is a flexible and somewhat hypermodern approach where White fianchettoes the queen’s bishop early, aiming to exert long-term pressure on the center from a distance rather than occupying it immediately.
Characteristic: Black’s move 3...Nd7 supports the central tension and prepares potential ...e5 or ...c5 breaks, while the bishop on g4 pins White’s knight, exerting subtle pressure on White’s kingside. This setup is less common and reflects a blend of classical and hypermodern ideas.
Attacking or Defensive: For White, the setup is generally more positional and flexible, focusing on controlling key squares and preparing to challenge the center later—so it is neither overtly attacking nor purely defensive. Black’s moves aim for active piece placement and subtle pressure, leaning toward a dynamic but solid stance.
Center Control: This opening does not immediately challenge the center with pawns but instead focuses on controlling it indirectly with pieces. White delays central pawn advances, relying on piece pressure, while Black holds a classical pawn presence in the center with ...d5 and prepares to contest it further.
This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.