Reti - King's Indian attack (with ...c5)

The Reti King's Indian Attack (with ...c5) is a chess opening that starts with the moves:

1. Nf3 d52. g3 c5

It is a flexible and versatile opening that can be used against a variety of Black's defences. The Reti King's Indian Attack is named after Richard Reti, a prominent chess player in the early 20th century, who was known for his innovative and creative approach to the game.

In this opening, White develops their pieces rapidly and aims to control the center of the board with pawns on d4 and e4. The fianchettoed bishop on g2 puts pressure on the long diagonal, while the knight on f3 supports the pawn advance in the center. The Reti King's Indian Attack is a hybrid of the King's Indian Defence and the Reti Opening, combining elements of both.

Reasons to play the Reti King's Indian Attack:

1. Flexibility: The Reti King's Indian Attack can be played against many different Black defences. It allows White to develop their pieces rapidly and control the center, regardless of how Black responds.

2. Creative Play: The Reti King's Indian Attack is a versatile opening that allows for a lot of creative play. White can choose from a variety of pawn structures and piece placements, depending on the position.

3. Long-Term Advantage: The Reti King's Indian Attack often leads to positions where White has a long-term advantage. The fianchettoed bishop on g2 can be a powerful piece in the middlegame and endgame, while the central pawn majority can be used to create passed pawns and other imbalances.

Reasons not to play the Reti King's Indian Attack:

1. Lack of Forcing Moves: The Reti King's Indian Attack is not a forcing opening like the Sicilian Defence or the French Defence. It requires a deep understanding of chess strategy and the ability to make subtle positional decisions.

2. Slow Development: While the Reti King's Indian Attack allows for rapid piece development, it can also lead to slow pawn development. This can make it difficult for White to launch a quick attack against Black's position.

3. Requires Precision: The Reti King's Indian Attack requires precision in both piece placement and pawn structure. A single misstep can allow Black to equalize or even gain an advantage.

In conclusion, the Reti King's Indian Attack (with ...c5) is a versatile and creative opening that can be used against many different Black defences. It offers White a long-term advantage and the potential for creative play. However, it requires a deep understanding of chess strategy and precision in piece placement and pawn structure. If you enjoy playing positional chess and are willing to put in the time to study and understand the opening, the Reti King's Indian Attack may be a good choice for you.