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, Michel Gambit
Moves: 1. Nf3 d5 2. c4 d4 3. b4 c5
This variation of the Réti Opening features an early pawn thrust by White with 3. b4, known as the Michel Gambit. The gambit aims to challenge Black’s strong pawn center by offering a pawn on the queenside to accelerate development and open lines for White’s pieces.
Characteristic: The Michel Gambit is characterized by an early flank pawn sacrifice to undermine Black’s advanced d4-pawn, seeking dynamic play and rapid piece activity rather than immediate central occupation.
Attacking or Defensive: When playing as White, this gambit is an attacking approach, designed to disrupt Black’s comfortable center and gain initiative. Black’s responses are typically more defensive as they try to maintain the extra pawn and solidify their central control.
Center Control: While White does not occupy the center directly with pawns in this gambit, the opening targets Black’s center from the flank, aiming to destabilize it and create central tension. Thus, it is an indirect but active way to challenge the center.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Réti Opening: Advance Variation, Michel Gambit, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 1 - Move #8 white
You can also discover how top players used Réti Opening: Advance Variation, Michel Gambit to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.