Underrated openings - Chess Forums

KieferSmith

Jun 8, 2023

0

#1

I've already talked about openings I find overrated. Naturally, many people highly disagreed with me. But on the flip side, there is only one opening that I find underrated: The Réti Opening!

1. Nf3 d5 (The most common response) 2. c4 dxc4 3. e5 (This comes with a discovered attack on black's c4 pawn, as well as taking more control of the center.) b5 4. d4 cxd3 5. Bxd3 (White has a lead in development, more central space, and black's b-pawn is a big weakness.)

The evaluation of this position is +0.78

1. Nf3 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. e4 b5 4. d4 Nf6 (Black doesn't have to take en passant)

The evaluation of this position is only +0.1, but that doesn't mean it's a very easy position for black. After all, white has two pawns in the center.

What if black doesn't accept the gambit?

1. Nf3 d5 2. c4 d4 (This is much more common than 2. ... dxc4) 3. e3 (Black's d-pawn is very annoying, so may as well try to get rid of it.) dxe3 4. fxe3 (To not lose the right to castle with 4. dxe3 Qxd1 5. Kxd1)

The eval here is +0.37.

1. Nf3 d5 2. c4 d4 3. e3 d3 (Black really wants to hold on to their pawn, but this move LOSES!) 4. Ne5 Bf5

Stockfish now says that white has a +2.13 advantage!

What about responses to 1. Nf3 other than 1. ... d5?

1. Nf3 Nc6 (The Black Mustang Defense. Already the evaluation of this position is +0.59.) 2. d4 d5

This has transposed into the Queen's Pawn Opening, Zukertort, Chigorin Variation. The evaluation is now +0.68.

1. Nf3 e5

The Ross Gambit. Black is already losing. (+1.3)

Hopefully this has convinced you to try out the Réti Opening! What are some openings you find underrated?

HUYYYYYA

Jun 8, 2023

0

#2

Cool

bald55

Nov 20, 2023

0

#3

The Vienna Game is underrated