Réti Opening: Anglo-Slav Variation, Capablanca Variation (A12)

The Anglo-Slav Variation, Capablanca Variation is a variation of the Réti Opening, catalogued as ECO A12. The line runs 1. c4 Nf6 2. Nf3 c6 3. b3 d5 4. Bb2 Bg4 5. d3, reaching the position shown below after 9 half-moves.

Black holds the centre with pawns on d5, and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move after five moves.

On the Réti Opening generally: ECO A09. A chess opening with 32 known variations.

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Réti Opening: Anglo-Slav Variation, Capablanca Variation — position after d3 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. c4 Nf6 2. Nf3 c6 3. b3 d5 4. Bb2 Bg4 5. d3

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1c4Nf6
2Nf3c6
3b3d5
4Bb2Bg4
5d3

ECO: A12

Stockfish: -0.16 at depth 18

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Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Anglo-Slav Variation, Capablanca Variation?

The Anglo-Slav Variation, Capablanca Variation goes 1. c4 Nf6 2. Nf3 c6 3. b3 d5 4. Bb2 Bg4 5. d3. It is a variation of the Réti Opening and is catalogued as ECO A12.

What is the ECO code for the Anglo-Slav Variation, Capablanca Variation?

The Anglo-Slav Variation, Capablanca Variation is ECO A12. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Réti Opening.

Is the Anglo-Slav Variation, Capablanca Variation good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. c4 Nf6 2. Nf3 c6 3. b3 d5 4. Bb2 Bg4 5. d3 at -0.16 at depth 18, which is balanced. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.

What kind of position does the Anglo-Slav Variation, Capablanca Variation lead to?

Black holds the centre with pawns on d5, and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move.