ECO code: A06
Reti: Santasiere's Folly
Moves: 1. Nf3 d5 2. b4
This unusual and offbeat opening features White's early pawn thrust to b4, challenging Black's control of the queenside and aiming to unbalance the position from the very start. The move 2.b4 is characteristic for its surprise value and willingness to sacrifice or relinquish central presence in favor of rapid queenside expansion and piece activity.
As White, this is an attacking and somewhat provocative choice that seeks to create dynamic play rather than solid, classical central control. Black can respond by accepting the pawn or ignoring it and focusing on central development.
Despite White's early flank pawn push, this opening does not directly attack the center with pawns but rather aims to undermine Black's center indirectly by putting pressure on the queenside. Therefore, it can be considered a non-central approach to the opening phase.
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: Santasiere's folly, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 1 - Move #37 black