Richter-Veresov: 3...Bf5 4.Nf3

Richter-Veresov: 3...Bf5 4.Nf3

Definition

The move sequence “Richter-Veresov: 3...Bf5 4.Nf3” refers to a branch of the Richter-Veresov Opening that arises after:

1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bg5 Bf5 4. Nf3

• 3...Bf5 is Black’s Classical Defense to the Veresov, immediately challenging White’s central control and preventing the thematic e2–e4 break.
• 4.Nf3 is White’s most popular reply, reinforcing the d4-pawn, preparing e2–e4, and keeping a flexible structure.

Usage in Play

• For White — 4.Nf3:
  • Supports e2–e4 without hanging d4.
  • Develops a kingside piece toward castling.
  • Keeps options open for a later queenside expansion with Qd2 and O-O-O.
• For Black — 3...Bf5:
  • Solves the traditionally problematic c8-bishop early.
  • Discourages Bg5-xf6 ideas followed by e2–e4.
  • Prepares ...e6, ...Be7 and a solid Slav-like or Caro-Kann-like fortress.

Strategic Themes

1. Central Tension
   After 4.Nf3, both sides eye the e4-square. White will often play e3 or e4; Black counters with ...e6 or ...c6.
2. Bishop Placement
   Black’s light-squared bishop is actively posted on f5 but can become a target after Nh4 or Qf3.
3. Minor-piece Battles
   White may exchange on f6 to damage Black’s pawn structure, or aim for Bxf5 to gain the bishop pair.
4. Flexible Pawn Structure
   Because neither side has committed the c- or e-pawns yet, plans can transpose into Queen’s Gambit, Slav, or even Caro-Kann-type structures.

Typical Continuations

Two of the main branches are:

• 4...e6 5.e3 Nbd7 6.Bd3 Bxd3 7.cxd3 c5 — Black strikes in the center.
• 4...c6 5.e3 Nbd7 6.Bd3 Bxd3 7.Qxd3 — slower, Caro-Kann-style buildup.

Illustrative Mini-Game

[[Pgn| d4|Nf6|Nc3|d5|Bg5|Bf5|Nf3|e6|e3|Nbd7|Bd3|Bxd3|Qxd3|c5|O-O|Nc6|Rad1|cxd4|exd4|Be7|Rfe1|O-O |fen|rnbq1rk1/pp1n1ppp/2n1pn2/3p4/3P4/5N2/PPP2PPP/R2QR1K1 w - - 8 12|arrows|d4d5|squares|f5,c6]]

The diagram shows a common middlegame position: balanced pawn structure, Black has repaired the doubled pawns but ceded the bishop pair; White enjoys more space and the semi-open e-file.

Historical Notes

• Kurt Richter (GER) and Gavriil Veresov (URS) popularized the opening in the 1930s-50s.
• 3...Bf5 gained traction after the 1960s when Soviet analysts showed that early ...Nbd7 and ...c6 render White’s gambit ideas harmless.
• Modern grandmasters such as Baadur Jobava and Alexander Morozevich still venture the Veresov, often mixing in offbeat ideas like g2-g4 to unbalance quiet lines such as 3...Bf5.

Sample Professional Games

• Jobava vs. Bacrot, European Team Ch. 2013 — Jobava unleashed a quick 5.Nf3 followed by g2-g4, winning a sharp kingside attack.
• Tkachiev vs. Morozevich, Moscow Blitz 2004 — showed Black’s dynamic possibilities with an early ...c5 break, leading to a tactical middlegame.

Interesting Tidbits

• The Immediate 3...Bf5 is considered the “Sverdlovsk Variation” in some Soviet sources.
• Because Black’s bishop often has to retreat to g6 or h7 later, grandmasters joke that it “goes on a walking tour before retirement.”
• In online blitz, an unexpected Nh4 after 3...Bf5 4.Nf3 forces the bishop back and scores surprisingly well even at master level.

Practical Tips

• White: Delay c2-c4 to keep the option of fianchettoing the dark-squared bishop with g3-Bg2.
• Black: If confronted with Bg5xf6, recapture with the g-pawn only when you want dynamic imbalance; otherwise ...exf6 keeps the structure healthy.
• Both sides: Watch the e-file queen and rook batteries; tactics often hinge on an eventual e3-e4 or ...e6-e5 break.