Réti Opening: Anglo-Slav Variation, New York System

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

1. Nf3 2. d5 3. c4 4. c6 5. b3 6. Nf6 7. Bb2 8. Bf5

The opening is characterized by its flexibility and the use of fianchettoed bishops, particularly the light-squared bishop on b2. It is a hypermodern approach, which means that it aims to control the center with pieces and pawn breaks, rather than occupying it with pawns. This allows for a more fluid pawn structure and can lead to a variety of pawn structures and middlegame plans.

The specific variation involves the development of the light-squared bishop to f5, which can be a useful attacking piece and can help support a later pawn break with e6. The opening can lead to a variety of pawn structures, including the Slav, Semi-Slav, and even the Caro-Kann structure, depending on how both players choose to proceed.

One of the key ideas for White in this opening is to play for the pawn break with e2-e4, which can help to open up the center and create attacking chances. Black, on the other hand, will often look to counterattack in the center with moves like e6 and c5, or even play for a kingside attack with moves like h6 and g5.

Overall, the opening is a flexible and dynamic choice for both White and Black, offering a wide range of middlegame plans and pawn structures. It is well-suited for players who enjoy a more fluid and less rigid approach to the opening phase of the game.

Frequency: 24 %Stockfish score: 0.3, depth 32
Games Statistics:
White/Draws/Black
48.1%
9.9%
42.1%
Bookmoves score:
RateWhiteBlack
0...180056.447.9
1800...200054.348.9
2000...220062.552.5
2200...250055.254.3
2500...54.950