Richter Veresov Attack
Richter Veresov Attack
Definition
The Richter Veresov Attack is a dynamic chess opening that arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bg5. It combines the names of two early advocates—German master Kurt Richter and Soviet master Gavriil Veresov—and is classified in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings as D01. Although it resembles a Queen’s Pawn version of the Trompowsky Attack, its character is unique: White develops rapidly, pins the f6-knight, and often aims for a quick pawn thrust with f3–e4 to seize the center.
Typical Move-Order
The most common sequence is:
- 1. d4 Nf6
- 2. Nc3 d5
- 3. Bg5
Alternate routes—such as 1. Nf3 d5 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 Bg4—can transpose, but the essence is an early bishop pin on g5 combined with the knight on c3 (instead of the more usual c4 for a typical Queen’s Gambit).
Strategic Ideas
- Early pin: By pinning Black’s king knight, White hinders ...e7–e6 or ...dxe4 ideas and may provoke weakening pawn moves such as ...h6.
- f3 & e4 pawn storm: A hallmark plan is 4. f3 followed by 5. e4, grabbing space and threatening e4-e5.
- Central tension: Because White has not played c2–c4, the d4-d5 tension is fixed, leading to French-like pawn structures after ...e7–e6.
- Piece activity: White’s light-squared bishop is already outside the pawn chain, and the queen often comes to d2 or e2 to support long-castling attacks.
- Flexibility: White may castle kingside or queenside; a quick g2–g4 is a frequent motif when castling long.
Main Defensive Systems for Black
- 3…Nbd7 (Classical Line): Reinforces the f6-knight and waits to see if White commits to f3.
- 3…e6: A solid French-style setup; Black often follows with …Be7 and …Nbd7.
- 3…c6 (Slav-like): Targets the d5-square and prepares …Qb6, hitting d4 and b2.
- 3…Bf5 (Barry Defence): Plants the bishop actively but gives White additional targets after f3 and e4.
- 3…g6: Kingside fianchetto hoping to blunt the g5-bishop; can transpose to Pirc-like middlegames.
Historical Significance
• Kurt Richter experimented with the line in the 1920s–30s,
employing it as a surprise weapon.
• Gavriil Veresov elevated its status in post-war USSR
tournaments, scoring notable upsets against elite contemporaries.
• During the computer era, the opening regained practical relevance as a
sideline to dodge deep engine preparation in mainstream Queen’s-Pawn systems.
Illustrative Example
Short tactical demonstration of the f3–e4 plan:
After 11. Nf3, White’s minor pieces swarm the center. Black’s light-squared bishop is awkward, and the d5-knight jump Nf3–g5 or Nf3–e5 looms.
Famous Games
- Gavriil Veresov vs. Paul Keres, USSR Championship 1940 – Veresov unleashed an early f3–e4 to topple one of the world’s best defenders.
- Boris Spassky vs. Mikhail Tal, Riga 1956 – A sharp draw where both future world champions threw caution to the wind.
- Alexander Grischuk vs. Wesley So, Leuven Blitz 2018 – Modern elite usage; Grischuk obtained a promising initiative.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Kurt Richter reportedly called the line his “little frisson” because it made positional players uncomfortable.
- In Soviet training manuals of the 1960s, the opening was recommended to juniors to cultivate attacking instincts rather than memorization.
- Magnus Carlsen adopted the system in online bullet games, sparking a wave of streaming enthusiasm for the “Veresov.”
- Grandmaster Simon Williams brands his favorite 4.f3 line the “Harry Attack,” referencing a quick h-pawn storm.
When to Use the Richter Veresov Attack
Choose it as a surprise weapon against well-prepared opponents in classical Queen’s-Pawn openings, or as a practical choice in rapid and blitz where unfamiliar pawn structures can yield immediate practical chances.
Key Takeaways
- The opening is sound, though not theoretically forcing, making it a good practical weapon.
- Plans revolve around piece activity and central pawn breaks, not the quiet positional grind typical of 1.d4.
- Understanding typical pawn structures (French-like, Slav-like) is more important than memorizing long concrete lines.