what are the pros and cons of the reti opening

I love to play 1. Nf3. It is my favorite opening for several reasons. First, after the move 1. Nf3, Black cannot immediately respond 1...e5 (well, actually Black could, but that would be the unsound Ross Gambit). Second, 1. Nf3 is a very versatile opening that can transpose into a variety of other openings that I'm comfortable playing. I especially like to play this against opponents who like playing Sicilian, because the Sicilian player who just memorizes moves is often thrown off a little by 1. Nf3. The only time I regret playing 1. Nf3 is when I play the Tennison Gambit (1. Nf3  d5 2. e4) and Black responds accurately. Other than that, I like the way the game develops.

The important thing is to steer the game into positions with which YOU are comfortable playing. If I may make a suggestion, look at 1. Nf3  Nf6. If you can get comfortable with how this game develops, then you'll have a solid base.

Head Hunter, the Reti Opening is NOT just 1.Nf3

The Reti Opening is 1.Nf3 d5  2.c4

Pros:

Automatically making black lose a tempo by having to play 2. ...d4 or 2. ...dxc4 followed by 3.Qa4+ and winning the pawn back anyway, and gaining tempo.

Cons:

You bring out the Queen early if 2. ...dxc4 is played and having the Queen out early isn't the best thing to do in a game.

That's all I can think of, thanks!

no prob