Richter-Veresov Attack
ECO D01 · 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bg5
The Richter-Veresov Attack, 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bg5, develops quickly and blocks the c-pawn on purpose, aiming for an e4 push rather than c4. It is named after Kurt Richter and Gavriil Veresov, who both played it with great success.
Plans for White
White prepares f3 and e4 to open the center, or plays Qd2 and O-O-O for an attack on Black's king. Taking on f6 to damage Black's structure is a common resource.
Plans for Black
Black can play ...Bf5 to stop e4, ...e6 for a French-like structure, ...Nbd7 to recapture on f6 with a piece, or ...c5 to challenge the center.
Typical pawn structures
Central tension around e4 and d5; after Bxf6 Black may have doubled f-pawns but the bishop pair.
Who it suits
Attacking players who want to avoid Queen's Gambit theory and enjoy opposite-side castling.
Common traps
Pins on f6 are the main tactical theme; Black must not let e4-e5 hit a pinned knight. White must watch the b2 pawn after ...c5 and ...Qb6.
Variations
- Richter-Veresov Attack: Two Knights System — 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bg5 Nbd7 4. Nf3
- Richter-Veresov Attack: Boyce Defense — 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bg5 Ne4
- Richter-Veresov Attack: Richter Variation — 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bg5 Bf5 4. f3
- Richter-Veresov Attack: Veresov Variation — 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bg5 Bf5 4. Bxf6
- Richter-Veresov Attack: Malich Gambit — 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bg5 c5 4. Bxf6 gxf6 5. e4 dxe4 6. d5