Reti Opening for White Players (1. Nf3 e6)

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Opening Strategy: Very tactical and awkward. Early attacks are possible as soon as move #3 and inevitable by move #7

Winning Percentages

White: 44.1 % / Draw: 29.3 % / Black: 26.5 %

Black moves Pawn to e6 to lay claim for the d5 center square as well as the f5 square. He has also cleared the path for his Queen and King's Bishop. Black is likely to play a very offensive game, emphasizing the ruthless power of his Queen. White should expect Black to attack quickly, yet haphazardly, if White plays the correct counters.

Use Black's ambition against him. If he is eager to put his bishop in play early in the game, consider exchanging your knight for the opportunity to eliminate his bishop. Factors that may affect your decision include the intensity of the opening, anticipated length of game, accuracy in predicting your opponents moves ahead of time, and of course personal style of play.

- Bishops are better than knights in the end game, so if you think you will be able to take the game to the end after exchanging your knight, you would most likely want to make the exchange

- Knights are very effective during intense, aggresive openings becase they can support many pieces from an angled distance. If you plan on attacking Black within the first 6 to 8 moves, definitely try to keep your Knight.

2. g3

..................................the beauty of the Reti Opening comes from its simple, comprehensive, and obscure flexibility