ECO code: A08
Reti Opening: King's Indian Attack Setup with 2...c5, 3.Bg2 Nc6 4.O-O e6
The moves 1. Nf3 d5 2. g3 c5 3. Bg2 Nc6 4. O-O e6 lead to a flexible and hypermodern setup for White, known as a variation of the Reti Opening combined with King's Indian Attack (KIA) ideas. White develops the knight and bishop to f3 and g2, aiming to control the center from a distance rather than occupying it immediately.
Characteristic of the moves: Black challenges White’s control of the center early with ...c5 and ...d5, while White fianchettoes the bishop to g2 and castles quickly, preparing for a solid but dynamic position. Black’s ...e6 supports the d5-pawn and prepares to develop the dark-squared bishop.
Attacking or defensive: From White’s perspective, this setup is more positional and flexible than aggressively attacking; White waits to strike in the center or on the kingside depending on Black’s setup. Black aims for active counterplay against White’s center and queenside structure, making this a balanced opening with chances for both sides.
Center control: White does not immediately occupy the center with pawns but exerts pressure on it using pieces (knight on f3 and bishop on g2). Black, on the other hand, contests the center directly with pawns on d5 and c5. The battle for central control is subtle and often deferred, characteristic of hypermodern openings like the Reti.
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.