Theoria
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Réti Opening

Réti Gambit, Keres Variation

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  1. 1.Nf3d5
  2. 2.c4dxc4
  3. 3.e3Be6
681 games54%42%

A rare Réti Opening line in which Black answers 3. e3 with 3...Be6, using the bishop to hold the extra c4-pawn rather than returning it.

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About the Keres Variation

The Keres Variation arises after 1. Nf3 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. e3 Be6. Black defends the captured c4-pawn with the light-squared bishop, which leaves Black with doubled c-pawns. The bishop on e6 is exposed to 4. Ng5. The most common tries are 4. Na3 and 4. Qa4+, which both aim to win back c4, and 4. Nc3. The line is seldom played. The engine rates it as close to balanced, and White scores well in practice.

Popular continuations