Réti Opening · A09

Zilbermints Gambit

1. Nf3 d5 2. c4 b5

Nf3 and c4 attack d5 with pieces and the flank pawn while the centre pawns wait - hypermodern control now, central strikes later.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. Nf3 Develops the knight to f3, eyeing d4 and e5. Theory calls this the Zukertort Opening.
• 1... d5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e4, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 2. c4 Challenges the pawn on d5 - the central tension has to resolve. Theory calls this the Réti Opening.
• 2... b5 Challenges the pawn on c4 - the central tension has to resolve. The pawn is genuinely on offer - this is the Zilbermints Gambit: development and initiative over material.

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