Richter-Veresov: 3...e6

Richter-Veresov: 3…e6

Definition

The Richter-Veresov Attack arises after the moves 1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Bg5. Black’s reply 3…e6 is one of the most solid and frequently played counters, reinforcing the d5-pawn, preparing …Be7 or …Bb4, and often steering the game toward structures resembling the Queen’s Gambit Declined or the French Defense. In ECO it falls under codes D01–D02.

Typical Move Order

An illustrative main line is:

• 1.d4 d5 – Classical Queen’s Pawn opening.
• 2.Nc3 – The Veresov Knight, keeping options of e2–e4.
• 2…Nf6 3.Bg5 – Pinning the knight and announcing the Richter-Veresov.
• 3…e6 – The subject move; Black quietly unpins and fortifies d5.

Strategic Ideas

• For White
  • Play for an early e2–e4 (often on move 4) to seize space and open the g5-bishop.
  • Exploit the latent pin on f6 to create pressure on d5 and f6 after exchanges.
  • Choose between quiet development (Nf3, e3, Bd3) and sharper pawn sacrifices (f3, Qf3, 0-0-0).
• For Black
  • Solidify the center with …Be7 and sometimes …Nbd7, aiming for a Carlsbad-type minority attack with …c5.
  • Counterattack the white center by break moves …c5 or …e5 when feasible.
  • Consider the systemic plan …Bb4 followed by …c5, pressuring d4 and c3 simultaneously.

Historical Notes

The opening is named after two early 20^th-century masters:
• Kurt Richter (Germany) who popularized the line in the 1920s.
• Gavriil Veresov (USSR) who employed it extensively in the 1940s–50s, scoring notable wins against elite opposition.
While the system went out of vogue at top level from the 1970s, it experienced a modest revival thanks to creative players such as Jonny Hector and Alexander Morozevich. The move 3…e6, in particular, has stood the test of time as Black’s most reputable antidote.

Model Games

1. Veresov – Euwe, Munich 1942
   

   Veresov sacrifices structure to rip open Black’s king-side light squares and defeats the former World Champion.

2. Morozevich – Ivanchuk, Monte Carlo 2006
   

   A wild tactical melee illustrating both the dynamic and risky potential of the opening.

Typical Tactical Motifs

• Greek Gift–style sacrifice: Bxh7+ ideas are common once Black castles short and the f6-knight is pinned or eliminated.
• e4 pawn thrust: Timed correctly, 4.e4 can blow open the center, especially if Black is slow with …Be7.
• Exchange on f6: Bxf6 followed by Qf3/Qg4 pressures f7 and can double Black’s f-pawns, creating long-term targets.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• When asked why he favored such “exotic” openings, Veresov quipped, “It is easier to beat theory than to remember it.”
• World Champion Magnus Carlsen has toyed with 2.Nc3 and 3.Bg5 in online blitz, showing its practical sting even at 2800+ level.
• Computer engines initially disliked White’s chances after 3…e6, but modern neural-network evaluations assign close to equality, validating its surprise-weapon status.

Practical Tips

• White club players should memorize the key branch 4.e4 dxe4 5.Nxe4 Be7 6.Bxf6 Bxf6 7.Nf3 to reach a playable middlegame with chances on both wings.
• Black players are advised to meet early e2–e4 with the principled capture, after which accurate piece placement (…Be7, …Nd7) neutralizes most of White’s pressure.
• Use the element of surprise: many opponents prepare for the London or Queen’s Gambit after 1.d4; the quick 2.Nc3 3.Bg5 can take them into unfamiliar territory.