Réti Opening: Anglo-Slav Variation, Bogoljubov Variation

A flexible and hypermodern chess opening that aims to control the center with pieces and pawn breaks, rather than occupying it with pawns.

The opening is characterized by its hypermodern approach, where White aims to control the center with pieces and pawn breaks, rather than occupying it with pawns. This opening is named after the Czech Grandmaster Richard Réti, who was one of the pioneers of hypermodernism in chess.

In this variation, White starts with specific moves, while Black responds accordingly. The opening can lead to various pawn structures and middlegame plans, depending on how both players continue. White's main idea is to fianchetto the light-squared bishop, exerting pressure on the central squares and potentially preparing a pawn break.

Black, on the other hand, can choose between several setups, such as playing certain moves and developing the dark-squared bishop to specific squares, or opting for a more aggressive approach with other moves. The latter options can lead to sharper positions, where both sides fight for the initiative.

The Bogoljubov Variation is named after the Russian Grandmaster Efim Bogoljubov, who contributed significantly to the development of this opening. It is a flexible and rich opening that can lead to a wide variety of positions, making it an interesting choice for players who enjoy outplaying their opponents in the middlegame.