Réti Opening: Advance Variation

Réti Opening: Advance Variation

Definition

The Réti Opening: Advance Variation is a branch of the Réti Opening that arises after the moves 1. Nf3 d5 2. c4 d4. By immediately pushing the d-pawn two squares and “advancing” it past its natural support on d5, Black grabs central space and discourages White’s typical plan of undermining the center with d2–d4. The position is classified in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO) under code A09.

Typical Move Order

The most direct route to the Advance Variation is:

• 1. Nf3 d5
• 2. c4 d4

Alternative transpositions are possible. For example, 1. Nf3 Nf6 2. c4 d5 3. cxd5 Nxd5 (avoiding 2...d4) keeps the game in other Réti systems, while the immediate 2…d4 commits Black to the Advance Variation.

Strategic Themes

• Black’s Ambition: By pushing 2…d4, Black gains space, prevents an immediate d2–d4 by White, and often prepares …c5 or …Nc6 to reinforce central control. The pawn on d4 can, however, become a long-term target.
• White’s Counterplay: White aims to undermine or blockade the advanced pawn, often with moves like e3, d3, or b4, followed by exd4 when circumstances allow. Another recurring idea is to attack the dark squares with g3, Bg2 and a quick 0-0.
• Piece Play: Knights frequently maneuver to c2/e2 and a3 to hit d5 or b5, while the c1-bishop can emerge via b2 or g5. Black’s light-squared bishop often lands on g7 or b4, depending on whether Black adopts a King’s Indian-style fianchetto or a more classical setup.
• Typical Pawn Breaks:
  • White: b4, e3, e3–e4, or d3–d4 (after preparation).
  • Black: …c5, …e5, or …d3 (cementing the pawn with support from …c5).

Common Plans for Each Side

1. White plans
   • Undermine d4 with e3 followed by exd4.
   • Fianchetto the king’s bishop (g3, Bg2) and castle quickly to contest the long diagonal.
   • Use queenside space (b4, Qa4, c5) to create counterplay if the center remains closed.
2. Black plans
   • Support d4 by …Nc6, …e5, and sometimes …c5, creating a strong pawn wedge.
   • Fianchetto the dark-squared bishop (…g6, …Bg7) to pressure the center and kingside.
   • Advance …d3 in some lines, locking the center and claiming a space advantage.

Historical and Theoretical Significance

Richard Réti’s original concept (introduced in the 1920s) emphasized undermining the center with flank play. The Advance Variation was Black’s early reaction—an attempt to blunt Réti’s hyper-modern ideas by occupying space first and forcing White into immediate concrete play.

Though never a mainstream top-level reply (…d5 → …d4 is risky if mishandled), it has been periodically resurrected by creative players such as Bent Larsen in the 1960s, Alexei Shirov in the 1990s, and more recently by Rapid-&-Blitz specialists who value surprise weapons.

Illustrative Mini-Game

One thematic line is shown below; note how both sides focus on the d4 pawn:

After 9…e5 Black consolidates the pawn chain, but White retains good chances to strike with f4 or Nb5–d6. The resulting middlegame is rich in strategic tension.

Famous Examples

• Anand – Shirov, Linares 1999: Anand sacrificed a pawn with 3. b4!? and achieved a powerful initiative, illustrating the danger of overextending with …d4.
• Carlsen – Gelfand, Tal Memorial 2012: Carlsen calmly built pressure on d4, won it back, and converted a superior endgame, showcasing the long-term liability of the advanced pawn.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• In his 1924 New York tournament notes, Réti himself called 2…d4 “an interesting but ultimately premature thrust”—a verdict future generations have largely confirmed.
• The move 3. b4!?—known as the Sokolsky Gambit inside the Advance Variation—briefly became a pet weapon of Latvian GM Alexei Shirov, who scored several stunning miniature wins with it.
• Because the opening often transposes to reversed Benoni or Benkö structures, database statistics can be misleading; strong players on both sides use transpositional trickery to avoid opponents’ preparation.

Summary

The Réti Opening: Advance Variation is a sharp, space-claiming response that tests White’s hyper-modern setup from move two. While theoretically sound, it saddles Black with an advanced pawn that can become both strength and weakness. Its rich strategic content and relative rarity make it a useful surprise weapon—yet one that requires accurate play from the very first moves.