Reti: Advance, 3.g3 c5 4.Bg2 Nc6 5.d3

Opening Name: Reti: Advance, 3.g3 c5 4.Bg2 Nc6 5.d3

Moves: 1. Nf3 d5 2. c4 d4 3. g3 c5 4. Bg2 Nc6 5. d3

Description: This variation of the Reti Opening features a fianchettoed bishop on g2 combined with a solid pawn structure. White’s 3.g3 and 4.Bg2 aim to control the long diagonal and prepare for a flexible, hypermodern approach. The move 5.d3 supports the center modestly without committing to an early pawn break, which keeps options open for development and central control.

Characteristic: The key characteristic of this line is its hypermodern nature — White allows Black to occupy the center with pawns early on (d4 and c5) while planning to undermine and challenge the center later with pieces and timely pawn moves.

Attacking or Defensive: For White, this setup is primarily positional and somewhat defensive initially, focusing on solid development and flexible central control rather than immediate attacks. Black’s setup with pawns on d4 and c5 is more space-grabbing and can be seen as slightly more aggressive in the center.

Center Control: White does not directly attack the center with pawns in the early moves but exerts pressure on it with pieces, especially the fianchettoed bishop on g2. Black occupies the center with pawns early on, but White aims to challenge this control later in the game.