The central idea
The Réti Opening starts with 1.Nf3 and often follows with c4 and g3. White delays a direct central claim to control key squares from the flanks and invite a favorable transposition.
Typical plans
- Control the center with pieces before choosing a pawn structure.
- Fianchetto when the long diagonal will stay useful.
- Transpose only when the resulting structure matches White's plan.
Common mistakes
- Delaying the center without using the extra flexibility.
- Allowing Black a free ...e5 or ...d5.
- Transposing automatically into a position that does not suit the move order.