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.
Opening Name: Slav: Slav-Reti System
Moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. g3
Description: The Slav-Reti System arises when White fianchettoes the bishop with 4.g3 in the Slav Defense structure. This move prepares to develop the dark-squared bishop to g2, aiming for strong long-term control over the central and queenside dark squares. The fianchettoed bishop supports White’s grip on the center indirectly rather than engaging in immediate central tension.
Characteristic of 4.g3: This move is characteristic because it adopts a hypermodern approach—White allows Black to occupy the center initially but plans to challenge and undermine it later with pieces rather than pawns. The fianchettoed bishop plays a key role in exerting pressure on Black’s central and queenside pawns.
Strategic Nature: For White, this setup is more positional and flexible rather than aggressively attacking. It is generally considered a solid and somewhat defensive approach aimed at maintaining a strong, resilient center and controlling key squares. Black, meanwhile, can choose to play actively or solidly but must be cautious of White’s long-term pressure on the center and queenside.
Center Control: Although White does not immediately contest the center with pawns beyond c4 and d4, the fianchettoed bishop and knight placement aim to influence and eventually challenge Black’s central pawn structure. So, while not a direct central attack, this opening exerts strong indirect pressure on the center.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Slav: Slav-Reti System, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 5 - Move #9 black
You can also discover how top players used Slav: Slav-Reti System to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.