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 Bf5
Description: The Slav-Reti System is a hybrid approach combining the solid Slav Defense setup with ideas from the Reti Opening. White fianchettoes the kingside bishop with 4.g3, aiming for long-term pressure on the center and control of the dark squares, while Black develops the bishop outside the pawn chain with 4...Bf5 to maintain active piece play before closing the center.
Characteristic: The move 4.g3 characterizes White's intention to adopt a hypermodern strategy—controlling the center from a distance rather than occupying it immediately. Black’s 4...Bf5 is thematic in the Slav, developing the bishop actively before locking the center with ...e6.
Attacking or Defensive: White's setup is generally flexible and can be both defensive and attacking—preparing to challenge the center and maintain a solid structure. Black’s play with ...Bf5 is slightly more active, aiming for piece activity and counterplay rather than pure defense.
Center Control: Both sides contest the center indirectly. White delays central pawn pushes, focusing on piece pressure and control, while Black supports the center with pawns on d5 and c6 but keeps the position solid and resilient.
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 1 - Move #32 black
You can also discover how top players used Slav: Slav-Reti System to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.