Sicilian: Richter-Rauzer Neo-Modern Nyezhmetdinov

Sicilian Defense: Richter-Rauzer Variation, Neo-Modern Variation, Nyezhmetdinov Attack

Definition

The Richter-Rauzer is one of the most aggressive main-line branches of the Open Sicilian. It begins after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 Nc6 6. Bg5. Three major modern continuations are:

• Classical / Old Main Line: 6…e6 7. Qd2 Be7.
• Neo-Modern Variation: 6…e6 7. Qd2 a6 (…Be7 is deliberately postponed)!.
• Nyezhmetdinov Attack: 6…e6 7. Qd2 Qb6!? — Black hits b2 and d4 immediately.

Typical Move Order

Below is a concise branch of the Neo-Modern showcasing core ideas:

Strategic Themes

• The pin on the f6-knight: 6. Bg5 immobilises the knight, indirectly pressuring e6 and d5.
• Opposite-side castling: Often White castles long (O-O-O), Black castles short (…O-O), leading to fierce pawn storms (g- and h-pawns versus a- and b-pawns).
• Central break …d5: Black spends much of the middlegame preparing or preventing this thematic equaliser.
• Piece activity vs structural concessions: The Neo-Modern’s …a6/…b5 may concede the d6 square but yields queenside space and rapid counterplay.
• Nyezhmetdinov’s …Qb6 idea: Forces White to show his hand early—defend b2 (with 8. Nb3) or castle long (8. O-O-O), each with distinct middlegames.

Historical & Theoretical Significance

• The variation is named after the German masters Kurt Richter and Ernst Rauzer, who explored it in the 1930s.
• The Neo-Modern label arose in the 1980s when modern analysts (notably Mark Ginsburg and Garry Kasparov’s team) revived …a6 before …Be7.
• Rashid Nyezhmetdinov, legendary attacking player and Tal’s early mentor, popularised 7…Qb6 in the 1950s, scoring scintillating wins in Soviet team events.

Model Games

• Kasparov – Short, Brussels 1986 — A textbook Neo-Modern where Kasparov’s pawn storm crashed through after Short mishandled …Be7 and …b4.
• Nyezhmetdinov – Polugaevsky, USSR Ch 1958 — White uncorked a sacrificial line, yet Polugaevsky’s resilient defence showed the counter-attacking resources of 7…Qb6.
• Polgar – Anand, Wijk aan Zee 1999 — Illustrates the razor-sharp Classical line; Anand’s …h6 novelty defused the pin and he later won.

Illustrative Tactical Motif

The exchange sacrifice Rx f6! is a recurring Richter-Rauzer theme: after …gxf6 White’s knights and queen flood into d5 & f6, exploiting weakened dark squares.

Interesting Facts

• Grandmaster Veselin Topalov has employed the Neo-Modern over 50 times, scoring nearly 60% with Black.
• The Richter-Rauzer double bishop sac Bxf6/Bxf6! became known informally as “Rauzer’s Tal Attack” after Tal used it to demolish Fischer in a 1960 training game.
• Modern engines show 7…a6 equalises, yet over-the-board practical chances remain tremendous for both sides—making it a favourite in must-win situations.

Practical Tips

1. As White, memorise forcing lines only up to move 12–13; afterwards rely on thematic ideas (Nd5, f5-f6 breaks).
2. As Black, know critical deviations: 7. f4 (instead of 7. Qd2) and 8. Nb3 in the Nyezhmetdinov — subtle differences dictate your pawn structure.
3. Do not fear doubled f-pawns after …gxf6; the semi-open g-file often spearheads Black’s counter-attack.