4...dxc4 with Queen Check Qa4+
After 2...e6 and 3.g3, Black captures with 4...dxc4. White uncorks 5.Qa4+ to win back the pawn cleanly while maintaining a dominant center.
1.Nf3 d5 2.c4 e6 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 dxc4 5.Qa4+ Nbd7 6.Qxc4 c5 7.O-O b6 8.Nc3 Bb7 9.d3 Be7 10.e4
Move by move
- 1.Nf3 – The classical Réti opening 1.Nf3: develops the knight toward the center, controls d4 and e5, and keeps all central pawn options open.
- 1...d5 – A solid response from Black: 1...d5 stakes an immediate claim in the center and clears the path for the light-squared bishop.
- 2.c4 – The hallmark thrust 2.c4: immediately challenges Black's central outpost from afar, offering a wing pawn to undermine d5.
- 2...e6 – Black supports the center solidly with 2...e6: builds a resilient pawn chain while temporarily keeping the c8-bishop inside.
- 3.g3 – Beginning the kingside fianchetto: 3.g3 prepares to place the bishop on g2, exerting long-range pressure along the h1-a8 diagonal.
- 3...Nf6 – Natural knight development with 3...Nf6: reinforces control over key central squares d5 and e4 while preparing rapid kingside castling.
- 4.Bg2 – The bishop takes up its post with 4.Bg2: exerts sustained pressure along the long diagonal and indirectly controls the center.
- 4...dxc4 – Black captures the wing pawn with 4...dxc4: abandons the center to grab material, but falls behind in harmonious development.
- 5.Qa4+ – The tactical check 5.Qa4+! White forks king and pawn, recovering the material cleanly while disturbing Black's coordination.
- 5...Nbd7 – Black blocks the check with 5...Nbd7: develops a minor piece toward the center while defending the king from White's queen.
- 6.Qxc4 – White recaptures the pawn with 6.Qxc4: regains material balance with tempo and keeps the queen actively positioned in the center.
- 6...c5 – Black challenges the center with 6...c5: strikes at White's central space and clears the diagonal for the dark-squared bishop.
- 7.O-O – White castles kingside with 7.O-O: places the king in safety and prepares the f1-rook to seize control of the central files.
- 7...b6 – Queenside fianchetto preparation with 7...b6: Black aims to activate the c8-bishop on b7 to oppose White's central control.
- 8.Nc3 – Knight development with 8.Nc3: increases White's strategic grip over the d5-square and completes minor piece mobilization.
- 8...Bb7 – Black completes the fianchetto with 8...Bb7: activates the bishop on the long diagonal, aiming directly at White's kingside.
- 9.d3 – Controlled pawn push with 9.d3: fortifies the central squares and prepares the light-squared bishop for harmonious deployment.
- 9...Be7 – Developing quietly with 9...Be7: completes kingside minor piece development and prepares Black's monarch for immediate castling.
- 10.e4 – The central breakthrough 10.e4! White seizes full central dominance, restricting Black's minor pieces and commanding the board.
How to exploit the position
White uses 5.Qa4+ to retrieve the pawn and dominate the light squares in the center
- Deliver the intermediate check 5.Qa4+ to win back the c4-pawn with tempo
- Establish full king safety with early castling and place the dark-squared Bishop on b7
- Centralize knights on c3 and d2 to support the eventual central advance e4
- Seize total control over the central files and pressure Black's queenside pawns
Master tips
Tactical check Qa4+
The Queen check 5.Qa4+ recovers the pawn cleanly while disturbing Black's harmony