start Reti!

Nf3!  MY FAVORITE DEBUT! 

I play 1.Nf3, almost exclusively and have since 2000. An opening is not defined solely by the first move. For example 1.e4 isnt an opening. 1.e4, c5 is the Sicilian, 1.e4,e6 is the French, 1.e4,Nf6 is the Alekhine, ect. and even those can be transposed into countless subgroupings and variations. Likewise, 1.Nf3,c5 is usually The English, 1.Nf3,e3 usually transposed into a QGD or a Catalan, and 1.Nf3,1.Nf6 can be almost anything! The Reti, technically is 1.Nf3,d5 2.c4, where black can capture at c4 (Reti Gambit Accepted), push to d4 (Reti Advanced), play c6 (Reti Slav) or e6 (Reti Declined). 1.Nf3 is the transpositional invitation and can be transposed into a Nimzo Larsen (1.Nf3,Nf6 2.b6) Santiseri (1.Nf3,Nf6 2.b4), or even a Dutch (1.Nf3,f5). It's quite interesting. I've been working on it for 15 years and I'm still adding.

I love playing the Reti. Quite easy to transpose into a QGD, too. 

I would start my games with 1. Nf3 if it hadn't been for my love for the Sämisch.

I used to be a 1. d4 player but switched to 1. Nf3 as it allows me to avoid the Benoni, Benko, Grunfeld, Albin and Budapest!

Fortunately, I don't play at a high level! And I quite like playing against the King's Indian anyway. Also I believe at the very top level the Grunfeld has a slightly better theoretical reputation.

What does white play after Nf3 c5?

c4 is probably fine, transposing to an English of some sort.

Or if you are willing to play against the Sicilian, 2. e4 is another option

hmmm thats unfortunate. Because I like the fact that you avoid some openings that black can play against d4 but I neither want to play 2. e4 against 1... as a d4-player nor 2.c4 because I have nö clue of the English :D

i tend to lose when playing e4 because of the freaking french defence :D i would lose against sub 2300 easiely when I play e4 and they e6. what I will give a try soon is 1.Nc3, you played it before? ^^

1. Nc3 e6! 2. e4 d5

thanks man! hahahah no, not 2.e4 please, I dont want to lose :D. i would probably play Nc3 e6 d4 d5 Bf4 and a good version of the veresov where white plays with Qd2 and f3.

iluvsnh3 meself.

Why are you scared of the french? White has more space, development, tactics on the kingside etc. Fix that hole in your play rather than avoiding it!

its just like my nightmare opening. When I play it with black I lose, when I play it with white I lose :D. For example this line where black takes on c3 then plays c4 and castles long, I dont understand it xD. maybe I am stupid lol.

Here's a recent Reti gem, I just completed. Of course, it's not perfect, but nochess games are!!! This game does demonstrate the main themes: Flank pawns before center pawns, knights paving the way, and bishops + queen scoring the point. Black's positionwas fine before 13..c5. Before that, I was contemplating a pawn sac, just to get the bishop pair. Then he compounds the error with 14..cd4, and it's a wrap!

Because the french is so flexible, can be dynamic, static, and is so subtle that most people aren't likely to understand it.