Chessy
Réti Opening: Anglo-Slav Variation, Bogoljubow Variation
This line starts quietly, but it already gives you a clear strategic choice. After 1.Nf3 d5 2.c4 c6 3.b3, the position is perfectly balanced: Stockfish rates it -0.02, which favours Black by a hair and means the game is dead level. Your goal in the drill is to handle the opening with confidence, know what Black usually tries, and react accurately when the engine tests you in this exact position.
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Create a free account →What this position is really about
In this line, White keeps the game flexible and prepares to develop around a solid pawn structure. The move 3.b3 points to a calm, positional battle rather than an early tactical fight. Since the evaluation is essentially equal, you are not trying to prove an advantage right away. Instead, you want to keep control, develop smoothly, and make Black decide how to solve the opening problems.
The reply you must be ready for
The engine’s best move here is Nf6, and the listed continuation is Nf6 e3 Bg4 h3. That tells you the key practical direction of the opening: Black develops naturally and looks for comfortable piece play, while you stay alert and keep your setup under control. In the drill, do not rush; focus on accuracy and a sensible development plan when Black chooses this most principled reply.
What the numbers say
Across 55,751 games at this exact position, White wins 51.9%, draws 4.1%, and Black wins 44.0%. The most-played continuation is Nf6 with 21,948 games, where White scores 51.2%. Other common replies are Bf5 with 8,883 games and White scoring 51.9%, Bg4 with 8,471 games and White scoring 50.3%, e6 with 5,746 games and White scoring 55.4%, dxc4 with 4,335 games and White scoring 54.2%, and d4 with 1,427 games and White scoring 52.2%. The database picture is simple: this is a playable, balanced opening where move choice matters more than memorising sharp tactics.
One common mistake to avoid
The only known mistake listed here is e6. It is marked as an inaccuracy and loses about 0.6 pawns; Bf5 was better. That does not mean the game is over, but it does mean Black gives up some accuracy by choosing the wrong structure too early. If you see this move in the drill, recognise that Black has already drifted from the best practical path.
Results across 55,751 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| Nf6 | 21,948 | 51.2% |
| Bf5 | 8,883 | 51.9% |
| Bg4 | 8,471 | 50.3% |
| e6 | 5,746 | 55.4% |
| dxc4 | 4,335 | 54.2% |
| d4 | 1,427 | 52.2% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Réti Opening: Anglo-Slav Variation, Bogoljubow Variation good for White?
It is fully playable, but not an opening where White claims a clear edge from the start. The evaluation is -0.02, which favours Black by a hair and means the game is dead level. Your task is to stay accurate and steer the position into a comfortable middlegame.
What is Black’s best move after 1.Nf3 d5 2.c4 c6 3.b3?
The engine’s best move is Nf6. The listed continuation is Nf6 e3 Bg4 h3, so this is the line to know first in the drill. Black is aiming for natural development and a stable setup.
What does the database say about this position?
Across 55,751 games, White wins 51.9%, draws 4.1%, and Black wins 44.0%. That tells you the position is practical and well-tested, not a forced draw or a tactical minefield. Results are close enough that understanding matters more than memorising deep theory.
Which Black reply should I watch out for as a mistake?
The known mistake is e6, which is an inaccuracy and loses about 0.6 pawns. The better move was Bf5. If you face e6 in the drill, you should know Black has already slipped a little.
How many games feature the Réti Opening: Anglo-Slav Variation, Bogoljubow Variation?
Over 55K Lichess games have reached the Réti Opening: Anglo-Slav Variation, Bogoljubow Variation position. White wins 51.9%, Black wins 44.0%, with 4.1% draws — based on real rated games.