ECO code: A06
Opening Name: Reti: Nimzowitsch-Larsen, 2...Nf6 c5
Moves: 1. Nf3 d5 2. b3 Nf6 3. Bb2 c5
This opening is a flexible and hypermodern way for Black to challenge White’s control of the center. After White fianchettoes the bishop with 2. b3 and 3. Bb2, Black develops the knight to f6 and then strikes at the center with 3...c5. The move ...c5 is characteristic of Black's intent to contest the central squares indirectly rather than occupying them immediately.
Characteristic: The move 3...c5 challenges White’s center from the flank, a typical Nimzowitsch-Larsen approach, emphasizing control and pressure over direct occupation.
Attacking or Defensive: From Black’s perspective, this line is mildly aggressive as it puts immediate pressure on White’s d4 and central squares. For White, it typically leads to a positional and strategic battle rather than an outright attack, focusing on development and control of the center.
Center Control: Black does attack the center indirectly with ...c5, aiming to undermine White’s pawn structure and piece placement rather than occupying the center with pawns immediately. White usually aims to maintain central tension and can choose to strike back or build up control gradually.
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.