Richter-Veresov Attack & Two Knights System
Richter-Veresov Attack
Definition
The Richter-Veresov Attack is an aggressive Queen’s-Pawn opening defined by the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bg5 (or 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bg5). It is catalogued in ECO as D01. White develops the queen’s-bishop to g5 before playing c2-c4, aiming to pin Black’s knight and create early tactical pressure rather than the slow, strategic play typical of mainstream Queen’s-Pawn systems such as the Queen’s Gambit or the Colle.
Key Ideas & Typical Move-Order
After 3. Bg5, White’s main objectives are:
- Quick piece activity: both knights and the dark-squared bishop get out rapidly.
- Pinning the f6-knight, which supports potential e2-e4 or f2-f3/e4 breaks.
- Keeping the c-pawn in reserve: c2-c4 can be used flexibly to strike the centre or support a minority attack.
A common continuation is:
, where White hopes to castle long and throw kingside pawns forward.Strategic Themes
- Dynamic Imbalance: Unlike 1. d4 d5 2. c4, pawn structures are often unbalanced early, creating rich middlegame tactics.
- Piece Play Over Pawn Play: White delays the classical c-pawn thrust, banking on rapid development and piece pressure.
- King-side Attacks: If Black castles short while White goes long, typical plans involve h2-h4-h5 or g-pawn storms.
- Central Breaks: Moves such as e2-e4 or f2-f3 followed by e4 are thematic, opening lines against the pinned knight.
Historical Significance
Named after German tactician Kurt Richter (1900-1969) and Soviet master Gavriil Veresov (1912-1979), the line rose to prominence in the 1920-40s. Veresov employed it with great success in Soviet events, beating elite players like Smyslov (Moscow 1942) and Boleslavsky (USSR Ch. 1947). Though rare at the absolute top today, it remains a potent surprise weapon, favoured by creative grandmasters such as Alexander Morozevich and Baadur Jobava.
Model Game
Veresov – Smyslov, Moscow 1942:
Veresov sacrificed material to keep Black’s queen wandering, eventually converted the initiative into a winning attack, and the game became a classic illustration of the opening.Interesting Facts
- The Veresov was Magnus Carlsen’s first ever opening with White in a rated game (Norway Youth 2000, age 9).
- Because it begins 1. d4 but often leads to e2-e4 breaks, some coaches call the Veresov “a King’s Pawn opening in disguise.”
- Computer engines evaluate the starting position around +0.2 for White—modest, but good value for its surprise factor.
Two Knights System (Richter-Veresov Attack: 3…Nbd7)
Definition
The Two Knights System is a principal defensive set-up for Black against the Richter-Veresov, arising after 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bg5 Nbd7 (or 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bg5 Nbd7). Black develops both knights before committing the c- or e-pawn, hence the name “Two Knights.” Its ECO classification is also D01.
Main Line & Plans
Typical continuation:
. Key ideas:- Flexibility: By postponing …c7-c6 or …e7-e6, Black keeps options open to adopt either a Slav-like pawn structure with …c6 or a French-like one with …e6.
- Rapid Unpin: The queen-knight can recapture on f6 after Bxf6, ensuring the g7-bishop remains unimpeded once …g6 is played.
- Counter in the Centre: Black often strikes with …c5 or …e5 at the right moment, challenging White’s space advantage.
Strategic Nuances
- If White plays Bxf6 early, the recapture …Nxf6 preserves a healthy pawn structure and opens the g-file for counterplay after …g6, …Bg7.
- Should White delay e2-e4, Black can equalise comfortably with …c6 followed by …Qb6 or …h6.
- Endgames often favour Black slightly because the knights are harmoniously placed and the c-pawn remains flexible (…c5! break).
Theoretical Assessments
Modern engines rate the position after 3…Nbd7 as roughly equal (≈ 0.00) if Black knows the ideas. Over-the-board, however, unfamiliar opponents may easily drift into worse positions because many tactical motifs differ from standard Queen’s-Pawn openings they may know.
Example Game
Morozevich – Karjakin, Russian Superfinal 2007
Morozevich sacrificed a pawn for lasting pressure, but Karjakin’s accurate defence underlined the system’s resilience and ended in a draw.Interesting Tidbits
- In pre-computer Soviet literature, 3…Nbd7 was once labelled “the Anti-Veresov” because it neutralised Veresov’s favourite attacking set-ups.
- GM Jobava, an avowed Veresov devotee, switched sides and used the Two Knights System with Black to beat GM Kovalenko, European Teams 2017.
- Some amateur books confuse this line with the “Chigorin Defence” because Black’s queen-knight goes to d7 instead of c6; in fact, they are unrelated.