Reti - Wade defence

The Reti Wade Defence is a chess opening that arises from the following moves:

1. Nf3 d52. c4

It is named after Richard Reti, a prominent chess player in the early 20th century, and it's considered a part of the Queen's Pawn Game. The Wade Defence, specifically, is a variation of the Reti Opening characterized by Black's early development of the bishop to g4.

Here are some reasons why to play the Reti Wade Defence:

1. Flexibility: The Reti Wade Defence is a hypermodern opening, meaning that Black aims to control the center with pieces rather than pawns. This allows for flexibility and adaptability in response to White's moves.

2. Avoiding Mainline Theory: The Reti Wade Defence is not as heavily analyzed as some other openings, which can make it a good choice for players who want to avoid extensive memorization and focus more on understanding and strategy.

3. Counter-attacking Potential: The early development of the bishop to g4 can put pressure on White's kingside, potentially leading to counter-attacking chances.

However, there are also some reasons why to avoid the Reti Wade Defence:

1. Risk: The early development of the bishop can sometimes lead to it being kicked around by pawn moves, losing time. Additionally, the lack of central pawns can sometimes lead to a cramped position.

2. Lack of Central Control: While controlling the center with pieces can be effective, it can also be more difficult to maintain than control with pawns. White will often try to establish a strong pawn center, which can lead to a space advantage if Black is not careful.

3. Less Common at High Levels: The Reti Wade Defence is not as common at high levels of play as some other openings. This could indicate that it is objectively less sound, or it could simply mean that it is less studied and understood.