Reti: Advance, 3.g3 c5 4.Bg2 Nc6

Reti: Advance, 3.g3 c5 4.Bg2 Nc6

Definition

“Réti: Advance, 3.g3 c5 4.Bg2 Nc6” is a branch of the Réti Opening that arises after the moves
. In the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO) it is catalogued under A11–A13, depending on subsequent transpositions. The name “Advance” refers to Black’s early push of the d-pawn to d4 (advance) on move 2 and the immediate counter-push …c5 (further space gain) on move 3. White adopts Réti-style fianchetto development, aiming to undermine the center rather than occupy it directly.

Typical Move Order

The most common sequence is:

1. 1. Nf3  d5
2. 2. c4  d4  — the Advance
3. 3. g3  c5  — Black grabs more space
4. 4. Bg2 Nc6  — flexible development, guarding d4 twice

After 4…Nc6, the game can branch into Benoni-, Benko-, or Catalan-like structures depending on whether White strikes in the center with e3, d3, or b4.

Strategic Ideas

• For White
  • Hit Black’s advanced d4-pawn with moves like e3, d3, or b4, trying to prove that the pawn is overextended.
  • Exploit the long-diagonal pressure of Bg2; after a future e3 or e4, the bishop can become extremely powerful.
  • Maintain flexibility: depending on Black’s setup White can transpose to Catalan structures (with d4) or King’s Indian Attack motifs (with d3, e4).
• For Black
  • Keep the pawn chain d4–c5 for queenside space and restrict White’s central expansion.
  • Use …e5 or …g6 to complete development; …e5 tends to fix the center, while …g6 leads to Grünfeld-like positions.
  • Remember that the pawn on d4 can become a target; timely support with …e5 or …e6 is crucial.

Historical Notes

Richard Réti popularized hyper-modern openings in the 1920s, emphasizing fianchetto development and pressure on the center from afar. The exact Advance line with …d4 and …c5 came to prominence much later, when players such as Bent Larsen and Boris Spassky experimented with it in the 1960s–70s. Today it is featured in the repertoires of elite grandmasters including Magnus Carlsen and Levon Aronian whenever they wish to avoid mainline Queen’s Gambits while keeping strategic complexity.

Illustrative Games

• Carlsen – Kramnik, Tal Memorial 2012 After 5. d3 e5 6. O-O Nf6 7. e3, Carlsen undermined the d4-pawn and later broke with exd4, cxd4 winning a central pawn and the game.
• Aronian – Radjabov, Wijk aan Zee 2006 Black employed …g6 and …Bg7, reaching a Benoni structure in which Radjabov’s dynamic counterplay on the queenside yielded a full-point.

Typical Plans and Tactics

• Pawn Break b4: White frequently sacrifices or gambits the b-pawn (e.g., 5. b4!?) to chip away at Black’s c5-structure.
• Central Break e3: Playing e3 (or sometimes e4) directly attacks d4; if Black replies …e5, the center locks, granting White targets on d4 and c5.
• Benoni Transformation: After 5. O-O g6 6. d3 Bg7 7. e3, the resulting structure looks like a Modern Benoni but with colors reversed tempi, leading to sharp double-edged play.

Example Line with Commentary

Below is a concise model game fragment illustrating standard motifs (arrows highlight thematic pawn breaks).

Interesting Facts

• The early …d4 push technically concedes the classical center, yet databases show Black scoring close to 50 %—not bad for a sideline that avoids bulky Queen’s Gambit theory.
• Because colors can reverse after a later …e5 break, Benoni players often feel “at home” playing Black in this variation.
• The ECO sometimes lists this same position under “King’s Indian Attack” if White refrains from c4; thus minor transpositional nuances decide the coding.

When to Use It

Choose Réti: Advance if you are a White player who:

• Enjoys flexible, strategic maneuvering over forced theory.
• Prefers to provoke your opponent into creating early pawn targets.
• Is comfortable steering the game toward Catalan or Benoni waters.

As Black, adopt 2…d4 3…c5 4…Nc6 when you want to seize space, sidestep mainline Catalan pressure, and keep the position unbalanced.