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.
Réti Opening: Advance Variation
Moves: 1. Nf3 d5 2. c4 d4
This variation of the Réti Opening arises after White plays 1. Nf3 followed by 2. c4, and Black responds by advancing the d-pawn to d4. The characteristic feature of this line is Black's early pawn thrust to d4, which grabs space and gains a spatial wedge in White’s queenside territory.
From White’s perspective, this variation is somewhat challenging because Black's advanced pawn on d4 restricts White's central and queenside activity. White typically aims to undermine Black's advanced pawn and maintain flexibility rather than immediate confrontation.
Attacking or Defensive: White's play here is generally more positional and flexible, aiming to challenge Black's center later rather than immediate aggressive attacks. Black’s early d4 thrust is more space-grabbing and may be seen as an attacking attempt to claim central and queenside space.
Center Control: Black takes the initiative in the center by pushing d4 early, while White delays direct central pawn advances, focusing instead on piece development and undermining Black’s center from the flanks. Thus, this opening involves a fight over the center, with Black initially occupying it more aggressively.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Réti Opening: Advance Variation, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 21 - Move #5 black
You can also discover how top players used Réti Opening: Advance Variation to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.