Réti Opening: Anglo-Slav Variation, Capablanca Variation

In the Réti Opening: Anglo-Slav Variation, Capablanca Variation, White's first move c4 is a flexible move that controls the center and prepares for future piece development. By pushing the pawn to c4, White indirectly attacks the d5 square, making it difficult for Black to advance the pawn to that square. Additionally, it allows the bishop on b2 to be developed quickly and sets the stage for a fianchetto. In sum, c4 is a solid and strategic move that has been favored by many top players throughout the years.

Playing Nf6 enables Black to control the central squares and prepares their knight for future development. The knight on f6 also puts pressure on e4, which can be uncomfortable for White and force them to make a decision about how to defend it. Additionally, Nf6 allows the pawn on d7 to be advanced to d5 without creating any weaknesses in Black's position. In sum, Nf6 is a solid and flexible move that is commonly played in response to c4.

Playing Nf3 is a natural developing move for White that puts pressure on the pawn on d5 and helps control the center. Additionally, placing the knight on f3 frees up the square f2 for the king or the g1 knight, depending on White's future plans. By placing the knight on f3, White also threatens to advance the pawn to e5, which can gain control of even more central space. In sum, Nf3 is a flexible and strategic move that sets the stage for White's future plans while also maintaining a solid position.

In the Réti Opening: Anglo-Slav Variation, Capablanca Variation, playing c6 is a useful move for Black that prepares to advance the d-pawn to d5 while also retaining flexibility in their pawn structure. Playing c6 also helps control the d5 square and restricts the knight on b1 from coming to c3. Additionally, c6 can potentially prepare for a future pawn break with b7-b5 to create counterplay on the queenside. In sum, c6 is a flexible move that allows Black to slowly build up their position and prepare for future developments.

Playing b3 is a logical developing move for White that prepares for the fianchetto of the light-squared bishop on b2. By playing b3, White also potentially puts more pressure on the d5 pawn, restricting Black's pawn breaks and opportunities for counterplay. Additionally, b3 helps White control the c4 square and prepares for a future a2-a4 pawn push if needed. By playing b3, White maintains a solid position while also preparing for future strategic plans.

Playing d5 is a natural and aggressive move for Black that seeks to open up the position and gain more control over the center. By playing d5, Black also exerts pressure on White's pawn structure and potentially cramps White's position. Additionally, playing d5 enables Black's light-squared bishop to be developed actively on the c8-h3 diagonal, potentially targeting the weakened pawn on b2. In sum, playing d5 is a key move for Black that can create opportunities for counterplay and open up the position.

In the Réti Opening: Anglo-Slav Variation, Capablanca Variation, playing Bb2 is a developing move for White that serves two functions. Firstly, placing the bishop on b2 controls the long diagonal and aims to put pressure on the weakened pawn structure of b7 and d5. Secondly, Bb2 prepares for the fianchetto of the bishop, which helps control the central squares and adds more flexibility to White's position. By placing the bishop on b2, White also potentially protects the pawn on f2 and creates a battery with the queen on the b2-g7 diagonal. In sum, playing Bb2 is a strategic move that prepares White's position for future developments while also exerting pressure on Black's pawn structure.

Playing Bg4 is a natural developing move for Black that targets the bishop on b2 and forces it to retreat or potentially trade off. By playing Bg4, Black also creates a pin on the knight on f3, potentially forcing White to make a decision about how to defend it. Additionally, Bg4 prepares for the potential exchange of a dark-squared bishop for a knight, which can potentially weaken White's pawn structure and give Black more control over the center. In sum, playing Bg4 is a flexible and strategic move that creates potential opportunities for Black to gain control over the position.