Sicilian Richter-Rauzer 6...Qb6
Sicilian: Richter-Rauzer, 6…Qb6
Definition
The line beginning 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 Nc6 6. Bg5 Qb6 belongs to the Richter-Rauzer Attack (named after German masters Kurt Richter and Vsevolod Rauzer) in the Sicilian Defence, Classical System. Instead of the far more common 6…e6, Black immediately challenges White’s center and queenside with 6…Qb6, eyeing the d4-knight and b2-pawn while keeping the light-squared bishop’s diagonal open.
Typical Move Order
The basic position arises after:
- 1. e4 c5
- 2. Nf3 d6
- 3. d4 cxd4
- 4. Nxd4 Nf6
- 5. Nc3 Nc6
- 6. Bg5 Qb6
From here the most popular continuations are:
- 7. Nb3 e6 (7…Be6 and 7…g6 are playable, but 7…e6 is regarded as the main line.)
- 8. Qd2 a6 9. O-O-O Bd7, leading to one of the sharpest branches of the Classical Sicilian.
Strategic Themes
- Early Queen Activity. The queen on b6 creates immediate tactical threats against d4 and b2, forcing White to decide quickly how to defend or sidestep those targets (usually 7.Nb3).
- Bishop Pair Dynamics. By delaying …e6, Black keeps the dark-squared bishop free, often developing it to e7 or even g7 after …g6, influencing both wings.
- Flexible Pawn Structure. Should White castle long (the usual plan), …a6 and …Rc8 support counterplay with …b5 and …b4, striking the c3-knight and exposing White’s king.
- Tactical Complexity. The coexistence of opposite-side castling, open c- and d-files, and loose minor pieces produces rich middlegame complications. Accurate calculation is critical for both sides.
Historical Background
Although Rauzer popularized 6.Bg5 in the 1930s, the sideline 6…Qb6 did not become mainstream until the 1960s, when it featured in games by Soviet stars such as Efim Geller and Lev Polugaevsky. In the modern era it was adopted by aggressive players looking for surprise value—Alexei Shirov, Ivanchuk, and more recently Ian Nepomniachtchi have employed it with success.
Illustrative Game
A short, tactical clash that shows Black’s attacking potential:
(Y. Pelletier – A. Shirov, Biel 1993) Shirov’s queen starred early on b6 and later returned to finish the game on h8—a typical demonstration of the line’s tactical fluidity.
Practical Tips
- For White: Soften Black’s queenside with early h3 & g4, or aim for positional control with 9.Be3 instead of 9.O-O-O. Always double-check tactics on b2, c3, and d4.
- For Black: Time the pawn thrust …b5 carefully—sometimes after …a6 and …Rc8, sometimes even without …e6 if piece activity compensates. Do not fall behind in development; the queen can become a target on b6 if play stagnates.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The move 6…Qb6 was once nicknamed the “Chameleon Variation” because Black can transpose into setups with …g6, …e6, or …e5, depending on White’s replies.
- In correspondence chess the line enjoys a respectable reputation; engines appreciate Black’s flexible center and queenside majority.
- World Champion Garry Kasparov tested 6…Qb6 in training games but preferred 6…e6 in classical events, joking that “my queen has better things to do than babysit the b-pawn.”