Réti Opening · A12

Anglo-Slav Variation, with dxc4

1. c4 Nf6 2. g3 c6 3. Nf3 d5 4. b3 dxc4

An early pawn trade leaves the c-file as White's avenue and the d-file as Black's - both sides get real winning chances down their own file.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. c4 Fights for d5 from the flank - contesting the centre without committing a centre pawn. Theory calls this the English Opening.
• 1... Nf6 Develops the knight to f6, eyeing d5 and e4. Theory calls this the Anglo-Indian Defense.
• 2. g3 Prepares the fianchetto: the bishop will take the long diagonal via g2.
• 2... c6 Fights for d5 from the flank - contesting the centre without committing a centre pawn.

Sign in to read every move's note and train this line — 4 more moves in this line, 8 in all.