Skip to content
PointChess
Lessons

Guided lesson · Intermediate · Openings

Réti: choosing when to occupy the centre

Loading puzzles…

Text

With 1.Nf3 and 2.c4 you put pressure on d5 before committing the d-pawn. Compare two replies: ...e6 allows d4 and a transposition to familiar structures; ...d4 calls for e3 to challenge the advanced pawn. Flexibility means responding to the position rather than repeating a setup. Practice starts after that choice so you can work on coordinating your pieces.

The key idea

Against ...e6 you can occupy d4; against ...d4, prepare an exchange with e3 and finish developing.

Example 1 · Transposing with d4

With d4 you transpose to the Catalan. You can continue in the Catalan lesson.

  1. d4 With d4 you transpose to the Catalan. You can continue in the Catalan lesson.
  2. Bb4+ The check develops the bishop before castling.
  3. Bd2 Block the check while developing the c1-bishop.
  4. Be7 Black’s bishop retreats; Bg2 can follow.

Example 2 · Exchanging the advanced pawn

Exchange the advanced pawn before it gains more support.

  1. exd4 Exchange the advanced pawn before it gains more support.
  2. Nxd4 The knight recaptures and occupies d4.
  3. Be2 Develop the bishop and prepare kingside castling.
  4. e5 ...e5 supports the d4-knight: the central struggle continues.

Practice

You play White. Practice two decisions from this line: Transposing with d4.

  1. With d4 you transpose to the Catalan. You can continue in the Catalan lesson. Bg2 is also good; here play d4 to reach the Catalan and follow the example’s checking reply.
  2. You block the check and develop a piece. Then check whether it is pinned. There are several sound continuations: Bd2, Nbd2, Nc3. Choose one and check what remains to be developed.

Recognise whether Black holds d5 or advances to d4 before choosing your setup.