Réti Opening: Anglo-Slav Variation

About this variation

Black supports the center with 2...c6, as in the Slav Defense.

The Anglo-Slav Variation is 1. Nf3 d5 2. c4 c6. Black supports the d5 pawn with ...c6, as in the Slav Defense, and keeps a solid center. White can choose to transpose to Slav lines with d4, or keep the game in independent Réti or English territory with g3, b3 and Bb2 or Bg2.

White's main options include b3 and Bb2, aiming for a double fianchetto and pressure on the center from the flanks, and g3 with Bg2 and O-O, keeping the position flexible. White can also play e3 and Nc3, preparing d4 at a good moment.

Black's typical ideas include ...Nf6, ...Bf5 or ...Bg4 to develop the light-squared bishop outside the pawn chain, then ...e6, ...Nbd7 and ...Bd6. Black can also play ...dxc4 at a good moment to open the position, or keep the center closed and aim for ...e5.

Because the variation is so flexible, transpositions are common. Black players should know whether they are happy to reach Slav positions after d4, and White players should know which Slav lines they are aiming for, or how to avoid them.

The Anglo-Slav suits Black players who play the Slav against 1. d4 and want a similar set-up against the Réti. White players can use their knowledge of fianchetto positions to play for a small but lasting edge.

A practical tip for White is to decide early whether to play d4 or keep the flank structure, since each leads to different types of positions. For Black, developing the light-squared bishop before ...e6 is the most useful general guideline in this line.

One popular line is 3. g3 Nf6 4. b3 Bf5 5. Bg2 e6 6. O-O, where White's two fianchettoed bishops aim at the center from a distance. Black's set-up is very solid, and the game usually becomes a slow fight over the e4 and d4 squares.

It is one of the main lines of the Réti Opening.