Richter-Veresov: 3...c6
Richter-Veresov: 3…c6
Definition
The move 3…c6 is Black’s solid response in the Richter-Veresov Attack, arising after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bg5. By playing 3…c6, Black buttresses the d5-pawn, stakes a claim in the center, and hints at Slav- or Caro-Kann-style development schemes. It is sometimes called the “Slav-Setup” against the Richter-Veresov.
How It Is Used in Play
- Central Security. The pawn on c6 supports d5, discouraging immediate pressure such as 4. Bxf6 exf6 followed by e4, or 4. e4 which would now be met by …dxe4 with a firm center.
- Flexible Development. After 3…c6, Black can choose among several plans:
- Slav-like: …Bf5, …e6, …Nbd7, and …Qc7 or …Qb6.
- Caro-Kann-like: …g6 and …Bg7, adopting a fianchetto structure.
- Direct Counterattack: …Qb6 at an opportune moment to hit b2 and d4.
- Limiting White’s Initiative. One of White’s key ideas in the Veresov is a swift e2-e4 pawn break. The pawn on c6 reduces the impact of that break and gives Black time to finish development.
Strategic & Historical Significance
In the early years of the 20th century, the Veresov (named after the Soviet master Gavriil Veresov) was considered somewhat off-beat. As theory developed, 3…Bf5 and 3…dxe4 emerged as the most combative replies, but many strong players—including former World Champion Vasily Smyslov—preferred 3…c6 for its reliability.
In modern practice the line is a favorite of pragmatic grandmasters who wish to equalize without entering razor-sharp theory. It also appeals to club players familiar with the Slav Defense since many middlegame patterns overlap.
Typical Continuations
- 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bg5 c6 4. e3 Bf5 5. f3 Nbd7 6. g4 Bg6
White grabs space on the kingside but Black’s position remains solid; …e6 and …Be7 will soon follow. - 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bg5 c6 4. Qd2 Nbd7 5. f3 e5!?
Black strikes in the center at once, trusting the reinforced d5-pawn. - 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bg5 c6 4. Nf3 Bf5 5. e3 Nbd7 6. Bd3 Bxd3 7. Qxd3 e6
A quiet line that can transpose into Colle-Slav structures.
Illustrative Mini-Game
The following short GM game shows how Black’s rock-solid setup can neutralize early aggression:
After 20 moves, despite White’s active piece-play, Black’s structure holds together thanks to the early …c6 bolster.
Practical Tips for Both Sides
- For White:
- Consider quick pawn breaks (f3-e4 or g4-g5) before Black finishes kingside development.
- Keep an eye on the light squares: if Black plays …Bf5, the bishop can become a target for h2-h3 and g2-g4.
- Don’t allow an easy …e5 strike; placing a knight on f3 (instead of e2) helps control that square.
- For Black:
- Remember the “Slav checklist”: first secure d5 (…c6), then develop the light-squared bishop before locking it in with …e6.
- …Qb6 can be a powerful resource against careless queenside development by White.
- If White overextends with g- and h-pawns, counter in the center with …e5 or …c5 rather than engaging flank pawn storms directly.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Grandmaster Artur Yusupov, known for his rock-solid style, routinely adopted 3…c6 in the 1990s to sidestep Veresov specialists.
- Computers originally assessed the line as slightly worse for Black, but modern engines now rate the position as fully equal if Black follows up accurately.
- The move is so thematic that many Blitz players jokingly call it the “auto-pilot button”—drop the pawn on c6, place the bishop on f5, and you are halfway to safety.
Summary
3…c6 in the Richter-Veresov is a dependable, strategically sound reply that leans on familiar Slav and Caro-Kann motifs. While it may not promise immediate counter-punches, its resilience often frustrates White’s attacking ambitions and steers the game toward balanced positional play.