ECO code: A06
Reti: Nimzowitsch-Larsen, 2...c5 3.c4
This opening arises after the moves 1. Nf3 d5 2. b3 c5 3. c4. It is a variation of the Reti Opening where White fianchettoes the queenside bishop early with 2. b3, aiming for control over the long diagonal. Black responds actively by challenging the center with 2...c5, and White counters by immediately striking at Black's pawn structure with 3. c4.
Characteristic: The defining feature of this line is White’s willingness to contest the center indirectly through flank pawn moves rather than occupying it immediately. The move 3. c4 challenges Black’s central d5-pawn and aims to undermine Black’s space advantage, reflecting hypermodern principles.
Attacking or Defensive: From White’s perspective, this is a flexible, somewhat attacking approach that seeks to undermine Black’s center and create dynamic play. Black’s ...c5 is also an active move, putting pressure on White’s center and aiming for counterplay. Overall, White plays more on initiative and positional pressure, while Black tries to hold and counterattack.
Center Control: This opening does attack the center indirectly. White does not occupy the center with pawns immediately but uses piece pressure and pawn breaks like c4 to challenge Black’s central presence. Black, meanwhile, maintains a strong foothold in the center with pawns on d5 and c5.
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.