Reti Opening for Black According to Roiz – 1.Nf3 d5 2.g3 c5 – Part 1 GM Michael Roiz May 19, 2025 + PGN

We are excited to present Reti Opening for Black According to Roiz – Part 1, a new course by GM Michael Roiz, providing a complete and deeply practical repertoire for Black after 1.Nf3 d5 2.g3. This is the first part of a two-course series, built around the principled response 2…c5, aiming for dynamic counterplay and central control.

The main tabiya of the repertoire arises after:
1.Nf3 d5 2.g3 c5 3.Bg2 Nf6 4.0-0 g6

What’s Covered in Part 1?
In this first volume, GM Roiz covers White’s most challenging continuations—the principled central push 5.c4, and the Reversed Grünfeld approach starting with 5.d4. Less ambitious moves like 5.c3 and 5.d3 (King’s Indian Attack setups) will be explored in the second and final part of the series.

The course includes:
✅ 9 Theoretical Chapters
✅ 10 Interactive Test Positions
✅ Memory Booster
✅ Video Version (1h and 22 min) by GM Roiz

Chapters 1–4: 5.c4 and the Reversed Symmetrical English

The first four chapters explore the theoretical battles following:
1.Nf3 d5 2.g3 c5 3.Bg2 Nf6 4.0-0 g6 5.c4 Bg7 6.cxd5 Nxd5 7.Nc3 Nc6

This is one of the key positions of the entire repertoire. Black already enjoys a static central advantage thanks to the c5-pawn, but White retains dynamic possibilities. Roiz examines all possible moves for White on move 8, including a number of tricky sideline options.

One of the most important theoretical tabiyas arises after:
8.Nxd5 Qxd5 9.d3 0-0 10.Be3

In this well-known setup, the c5-pawn becomes a visible target. White often tries to exploit this with 11.Nd4, putting pressure on c6 and e6. Roiz shows that Black holds comfortably with the accurate sequence:
11…Bd7 12.Nd4 Qd6, equalizing without difficulty.

Chapters 5–6: The Reversed Grünfeld

Next, Roiz dives into the increasingly popular setup:
1.Nf3 d5 2.g3 c5 3.Bg2 Nf6 4.0-0 g6 5.c4 Bg7 6.d4 cxd4 7.cxd5 Nxd5 8.Nxd4 0-0

This symmetrical structure can be reached through a variety of move orders. It’s a highly relevant battleground in modern theory. Black must play with precision to neutralize White’s slight initiative.

An essential line arises after:
9.Nc3 Nb6!?

Here, Roiz recommends this modern and flexible idea. Black chooses not to rush and keeps the tension, forcing White to waste time covering the d4-square. In his analysis, Roiz demonstrates that Black is perfectly fine and even playing for more.

Chapter 7: The Qa4+ Idea

White can also try the tricky move:
1.Nf3 d5 2.g3 c5 3.Bg2 Nf6 4.0-0 g6 5.c4 Bg7 6.Qa4+

This surprise check intends to disrupt Black’s piece coordination. While seemingly harmless, every response by Black has subtle drawbacks.

Roiz proves that after:
6…Nc6 7.Ne5 Qd6, White is already under pressure. If 8.Nxc6, then 8…Bd7! neutralizes any danger and helps Black develop quickly.

Chapter 8: Minor Options on Move 5

In this chapter, Roiz covers all the less-ambitious fifth moves after:
1.Nf3 d5 2.g3 c5 3.Bg2 Nf6 4.0-0 g6 5.c4 Bg7
These moves don’t challenge Black’s setup seriously, and Roiz demonstrates how Black can easily equalize and play for an edge without taking any risks.

Chapter 9: The Reversed Grünfeld – Move Order Trick
The final chapter focuses on the third most popular move in practice:
1.Nf3 d5 2.g3 c5 3.Bg2 Nf6 4.0-0 g6 5.d4

White is attempting to reach a Grünfeld Defense (with g3 instead of Nc3) with an extra tempo. This idea has gained traction even at the elite level.

Despite its growing popularity, Roiz equips you with a repertoire that comfortably neutralizes White’s intentions while preserving counterplay for Black.

Master the Reti with Black – the Roiz Way
GM Roiz combines elite-level understanding with a practical and systematic approach. Every chapter is built not only on strong theoretical analysis but also on practical decision-making that’s easy to recall and apply over the board.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where the authors will cover setups based on 5.c3, 5.d3, and other quieter lines.

With this repertoire, you’ll be fully armed to face 1.Nf3 with confidence—no matter what White plays.