Sicilian Open: 2...d6, 5.Nc3 Nc6, 6.f3 e5 7.Nb3 Be7

Sicilian: Open, 2...d6, 5.Nc3 Nc6 6.f3 e5 7.Nb3 Be7

Definition

This line is a branch of the Open Sicilian Defence that starts with
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 Nc6 6. f3 e5 7. Nb3 Be7.
Classified under ECO code B92, it combines elements of the Classical Sicilian (…Nc6 and …d6) with the Richter–Rauzer Attack (6.f3) and the Boleslavsky pawn structure (…e5).

Typical Move-Order

The critical sequence is shown below. The placeholder can be expanded in most viewers to reveal a playable board:

• After 6.f3 White reinforces the e4-pawn, prepares Bg5 or Be3, and often castles long.
• Black’s 6…e5 gains space and questions the d4-knight, but concedes the d5 outpost.
• 7.Nb3 tucks the knight on a safe square while keeping pressure on d5 and c5.
• 7…Be7 calmly develops, supports a later …d5 break, and keeps Black’s castling flexible.

Strategic Themes

• The d5 square: After …e5, d5 becomes the focal point. White tries to occupy or control it, Black tries either to keep it covered or prepare …d5.
• Kingside vs. Queenside play: White’s typical plan is Be3, Qd2, 0-0-0 and g2-g4-g5, launching a pawn storm. Black counters with …Be6, …a6, …b5 and play on the c-file.
• Piece activity vs. pawn structure: Black’s pawn on e5 cramps White temporarily but weakens d6 and leaves holes on f5 & d5; accurate piece placement decides whose weaknesses matter more.
• Flexibility of the dark-squared bishop: From e7 the bishop may later go to g5, h4, f6 or even g7 after …g6, depending on middlegame plans.

Plans for Each Side

White

• Castle long and start a pawn storm with g4–g5, h4–h5.
• Plant a knight on d5; if Black captures, recapture with a pawn to open the c-file and dark-squared bishop.
• Exploit the b5-square (after …a6 …b5) with a knight hop via c3-d5-b4-c6.

Black

• Break with …d5 in one go or prepare it with …Be6, …Rc8, …Nb8–d7–b6.
• Expand on the queenside by …a6, …b5, sometimes …Be6–b3, undermining White’s knight.
• Avoid premature exchanges that leave the weak d6-pawn exposed in an endgame.

Historical Background

• The Richter–Rauzer Attack (6.f3) was popularised in the 1930s by Gustav Richter and Vsevolod Rauzer.
• Isaac Boleslavsky introduced the …e5 idea in the Classical Sicilian around 1945, giving the pawn structure its name.
• The synthesis 6.f3 e5 became fashionable in the 1980s thanks to Garry Kasparov, who used it both as White and Black.
• Modern grandmasters such as Magnus Carlsen, Anish Giri, and Fabiano Caruana still debate the line in elite events.

Illustrative Game

Garry Kasparov – Alexei Shirov, Linares 1993
Kasparov employed the f3–Rauzer with 6…e5 and achieved a powerful kingside attack, demonstrating the dangers Black faces if counterplay is too slow.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Because it blends several named systems, databases list the variation under multiple names: Classical, Richter–Rauzer, Boleslavsky Variation.
• The move 7…Be7 (instead of the sharper 7…Be6) adds solidity; many theoreticians call it the “Virtuous Variation” because Black finishes development before seeking activity.
• Computer engines originally disliked Black’s …e5 due to the d5 hole, but neural-network engines today often approve when followed by timely …Be6 and …d5.
• At blitz time controls, the line scores surprisingly well for Black (roughly 52 % in large online samples), suggesting practical counter-chances despite theoretical equality.

Summary

The sequence 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 … 7…Be7 is a rich, double-edged battleground. White seeks a direct assault supported by the f-pawn, while Black counters with central strikes and queenside expansion. Its longevity at top level underscores the dynamic balance typical of the Sicilian Defence.