Reti Opening: Sicilian Invitation
Reti Opening : Sicilian Invitation
Definition
The “Reti Opening – Sicilian Invitation” refers to the move order 1. Nf3 c5. By starting with 1. Nf3 White sidesteps main-line Sicilian theory, keeps the position flexible, and invites Black to commit to the Sicilian pawn on c5 even before White declares whether he will play 2. e4 (transposing to a Sicilian with colours reversed) or steer the game into an English, Reti, or other flank set-ups. In the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO) the line is classified as A11.
Typical Move Orders
The opening can branch quickly:
- 2. e4 – the most direct way to reach a “real” Sicilian (after 2…d6 or 2…e6 the position is identical to a Sicilian Defence where White has “lost a tempo” with Nf3 but has avoided a large body of theory).
- 2. c4 – keeps the game in English Opening territory, often leading to the Symmetrical English.
- 2. g3 or 2. b3 – pure Reti/King’s Fianchetto systems that leave the c-pawn in reserve.
- 2. e3 or 2. d4 – rarer transpositional tries aiming for Queen’s Gambit or Catalan structures.
Strategic Ideas
• Flexibility for White. By delaying the central pawn push
White can adapt his set-up after seeing Black’s piece placement.
• Tempo questions. If White eventually chooses 2. e4,
he must justify having “wasted” a move compared with the main-line Sicilian.
Compensation comes from surprise value and forcing Black to think for
himself outside the well-trodden Najdorf/Scheveningen paths.
• English-style pressure. After 2. c4 the position
resembles a Symmetrical English where the knight on f3 is already well
placed to jump into d4, e5 or g5.
• King-side fianchetto plans. Moves such as g3, Bg2 and
d3 create a solid Reti “hedgehog” where White aims for breaks with d4 or
b4.
Historical & Theoretical Significance
• Richard Réti popularised 1. Nf3 in the 1920s as part of the
hypermodern revolution, advocating control of the centre from afar.
• The specific response 1…c5 became fashionable in the mid-20th century when
Sicilian specialists (e.g. Najdorf, Reshevsky) looked for ways to reach
familiar structures even if White avoided 1. e4.
• Top players such as
Garry Kasparov, Vishy Anand, Magnus Carlsen and Wesley So
have all used the Sicilian Invitation as a surprise weapon.
Illustrative Game
Magnus Carlsen – Wesley So, Sinquefield Cup 2018
White employed 1. Nf3 c5 2. e4 and steered the game into a
Scheveningen structure where the extra flexibility helped him
out-prepare his opponent. Carlsen eventually converted a pleasant endgame
advantage.
Model Position
After the practical line 1. Nf3 c5 2. c4 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. g3 d5, the board features:
- White pawns: a2, b2, c4, d2, e2, f2, g3, h2
- Black pawns: a7, b7, c5, d5, e7, f7, g7, h7
- All minor pieces developed toward the centre, with White planning d4 or d3 followed by Bg2, while Black contemplates …d4 or …e5.
Typical Plans for Both Sides
- White:
- Fianchetto the king’s bishop and castle quickly.
- Break in the centre with d4 if Black delays …d5.
- Pressure the half-open d- or b-files with rooks.
- Black:
- Plant a pawn on d4 to cramp White’s minor pieces, or play …d5 and …Nc6 for active piece play.
- Adopt a Hedgehog structure (…e6, …d6, …b6, …Bb7) to absorb White’s space advantage.
- If White transposes to a Sicilian with 2. e4, treat the position like a normal Scheveningen or Kan, exploiting the extra tempo.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Because White can still bail out to an English or Reti, some grandmasters call 1…c5 “the hopeful move”—hoping White will oblige with 2. e4.
- Kasparov first rolled out the Sicilian Invitation in serious play against Yasser Seirawan (Tilburg 1991) and won in 25 moves after surprising his opponent on move two!
- In blitz and rapid chess the line is a popular “anti-theory” choice: one tempo seldom matters as much as practical unfamiliarity.
Summary
The Reti Opening: Sicilian Invitation is a subtle yet combative weapon for players who enjoy flexible systems and surprise value. Whether White transposes to a Sicilian, sticks to English structures, or pursues pure Reti ideas, the early 1…c5 ensures dynamic play from the very first moves.