Starting Out: The Réti by Neil McDonald

Starting Out: The Réti By Neil McDonald

A highly accessible introduction to the Réti Opening, one of the most flexible and strategic systems in modern chess. Grandmaster Neil McDonald explains the fundamental ideas, plans, and positional themes behind the Réti, making this book an ideal starting point for players who prefer understanding concepts over memorizing long theoretical variations. The Réti’s versatility allows it to be employed against a wide range of Black defenses, making it a favorite among positional and strategic players.

As part of Everyman’s popular Starting Out series, the book focuses on teaching the key moves, strategic objectives, and typical middlegame plans arising from Réti positions. McDonald carefully explains the reasoning behind the opening’s ideas, helping readers develop a deeper understanding of the resulting structures and positions.

Topics Covered

• The fundamentals of the Réti Opening
• Hypermodern opening principles
• Flexible opening systems
• Piece development and coordination
• Typical pawn structures
• Strategic middlegame plans
• Common tactical motifs and ideas
• How to handle various Black defenses

Key Features

• Clear explanations of opening ideas and plans
• Emphasis on understanding rather than memorization
• User-friendly format with illustrative examples
• Coverage of both White’s plans and Black’s responses
• Practical guidance for real tournament play
• Suitable for players new to the Réti system
• Written by renowned Grandmaster and coach Neil McDonald

Recommended For

Beginners, improving club players, tournament competitors, coaches, and anyone interested in learning a flexible and strategic opening based on positional understanding, piece activity, and long-term planning rather than extensive theoretical memorization.