ECO code: A06
Opening Name: Reti: Nimzowitsch-Larsen, 2...Nf6
Moves: 1. Nf3 d5 2. b3 Nf6
Description: This line arises from the Reti Opening, where White delays occupying the center with pawns and instead focuses on flexible piece development. After 1. Nf3 and 2. b3, White prepares to fianchetto the queen's bishop to control the long diagonal. Black responds with 2...Nf6, developing a knight to a natural square and reinforcing control over the central squares, particularly e4 and d5.
Characteristic of 2...Nf6: This move is a classical developing move by Black, aiming for solid and flexible piece placement. It supports central control without committing early central pawn tension, allowing Black to adapt to White’s setup.
Attacking or Defensive: From White’s perspective, this opening is generally flexible and can transition into either attacking or positional play, but it is often seen as a strategic, maneuvering approach rather than direct aggression. Black’s 2...Nf6 is primarily a solid, developing move with defensive undertones, focusing on piece activity and central control rather than immediate attack.
Center Control: The opening involves indirect control of the center rather than immediate occupation by pawns. White’s move b3 supports the bishop fianchetto, influencing the long diagonal and central squares from a distance. Black’s d5 and Nf6 moves contest central squares directly, aiming for balanced control.
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.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Reti: Nimzowitsch-Larsen, 2...Nf6, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 4 - Move #6 white