Richter-Veresov: 3...Nbd7
Richter-Veresov: 3…Nbd7
Definition
The move 3…Nbd7 is Black’s most classical response to the Richter-Veresov Attack, which normally begins 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bg5. By developing the b8-knight to d7, Black fortifies the f6-knight, controls the important e5-square, keeps the c8-bishop flexible, and avoids the doubled pawns that would arise after the immediate 3…Bf5 4. Bxf6. In contemporary databases this line is coded as ECO D01.
Move Order and Basic Position
The critical diagram position arises after:
1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bg5 Nbd7
Pieces of note:
- The white bishop on g5 pins the f6-knight to the queen.
- Black’s knight on d7 reinforces f6 and covers e5, making …h6 and …g5 possible later.
- Neither side has committed the center pawns beyond d-pawns, so pawn tension is high.
Strategic Purpose for Black
- Safety first. 3…Nbd7 frees Black from tactical shots on f6 or e4 by over-protecting the pinned knight.
- Flexible development. The c8-bishop may emerge to f5, g4, or even b7 after …e6 and …b6, depending on White’s setup.
- Central resilience. After …e6 or …c6 Black can maintain the d5 outpost and aim for c5 breaks.
- Transposition potential. The game can transpose to a Queen’s Gambit Declined (after c4, …e6) or a Slav-type structure (after c4, …c6).
Typical Continuations
- 4. Nf3 c6 5. e3 Qb6 – Black pressures b2 and hints at …Qxb2 if White castles queenside.
- 4. e3 c6 5. Bd3 e5!? 6. dxe5 Nxe5 – a sharp line where Black rapidly unpins the f6-knight.
- 4. Qd3 c6 5. O-O-O b5!? – Black grabs space on the queenside, preparing …b4 to chase the c3-knight.
Historical & Theoretical Significance
The Richter-Veresov Attack owes its name to German master Kurt Richter and Soviet master Gavriil Veresov, who popularised it in the 1930s-1950s as an aggressive alternative to the Queen’s Gambit. Early on, Black players considered 3…Nbd7 the most solid antidote because it neutralised many forcing ideas. Grandmasters such as Bent Larsen, David Bronstein, and more recently Alexander Grischuk have used it to avoid the mainline Queen’s Gambit while retaining flexible structures.
Illustrative Game
G. Veresov – M. Najdorf, Prague 1946
Najdorf’s early …Qa5 introduced pressure on c3 and forced White to concede the bishop pair. Black eventually broke in the center with …exd4 and …Re8, seizing the initiative and winning on move 39.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The line was for a time nicknamed “The Soviet Defence” to the Veresov because so many Soviet players adopted it, spearheaded by David Bronstein.
- Anand briefly tested the Veresov with White in rapid games, but his seconds prepared 3…Nbd7 as a quick antidote for Black.
- Computer engines originally preferred 3…Bf5, but with neural-network evaluation the solidity of 3…Nbd7 has regained popularity at elite level.
Related Concepts
Knowing 3…Nbd7 in the Richter-Veresov boosts understanding of:
- The Chigorin Defence (1. d4 d5 2. c4 Nc6) – similar knight deployment ideas on d7/f6.
- The Torre Attack and London System – where Black often uses …Nbd7 to blunt Bg5/Bf4 pins.
- The concept of over-protection championed by Nimzowitsch: adding defenders to a key point (in this case f6 and e5) not only secures it but grants strategic freedom elsewhere.