Sicilian Richter-Rauzer: Larsen, 7.Qd2 a6

Sicilian Defense: Richter–Rauzer Attack

Definition

The Richter–Rauzer Attack is a sharp, strategically rich variation of the Sicilian Defense that begins with the moves:
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 Nc6 6. Bg5
It is named after German masters Kurt Richter and Vsevolod Rauzer, who explored the line extensively in the 1930-40s.

How it is Used

• White pins the black knight on f6 with 6.Bg5, aiming to increase central control, threaten Bxf6, and often castle long.
• Black decides between a series of critical systems (…e6, …g6, …h6, or …Qb6) that shape the entire middlegame.
• Both sides usually castle on opposite wings, producing double-edged, tactical battles where tempi, pawn storms, and piece activity are pivotal.

Strategic & Historical Significance

• For decades it was the main weapon against the Classical Sicilian and a favourite of attacking players such as Fischer and Kasparov.
• It is considered one of the “acid tests” of the Sicilian: if you play the Classical setup with …Nc6 and …d6, you must know the Richter–Rauzer by heart.
• ECO codes B60–B69 cover its many branches.

Example Game

Fischer – Geller, Monte Carlo 1967, is a textbook Richter–Rauzer where Fischer launched a powerful kingside pawn storm, only to be out-prepared by Geller’s counterplay in the centre and on the queenside.

Interesting Facts

• Rauzer pioneered long castling for White in the 1930s—an idea that looked “crazy” at the time but is now mainstream theory.
• Computer engines still oscillate in their evaluation of certain sub-variations, keeping the line at the cutting edge of modern preparation.

Larsen Variation of the Richter–Rauzer

Definition

After 6…e6 in the Richter–Rauzer, the immediate 7.Qd2 constitutes the Larsen Variation, named after the imaginative Danish Grandmaster Bent Larsen. The critical position arises after:
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 Nc6 6. Bg5 e6 7. Qd2

Purpose of 7.Qd2

• Prepares 0-0-0 and rapid kingside aggression with f3–g4–h4.
• Connects the queen to the bishop on g5, reinforcing the pin and making Bxf6 a recurring tactical motif.
• Anticipates …Be7 by allowing Bxf6 Bxf6 0-0-0 when White keeps the initiative.

Main Black Replies

1. 7…a6 – the “pure” Larsen line (see next section).
2. 7…Be7 – Kasparov’s preference, leading to highly theoretical battles after 8.0-0-0.
3. 7…h6 – Fischer’s choice in the 1960s, forcing the bishop to trade or retreat.

Historic Moments

• Larsen unleashed the variation against Boris Spassky in 1965, stunning the future World Champion and popularizing the idea of an early Qd2.
• It became a cornerstone of Garry Kasparov’s Sicilian repertoire during his early 1980s rise.

Typical Middlegame Plans

• White: long castling, pawn storms with f3–g4–h4, piece sacrifices on e6 or g6.
• Black: queenside expansion with …b5, rerouting the knight via …Nd7–b6–c4, or a central break with …d5.

7.Qd2 a6 Line (ECO B67)

Definition

The immediate 7…a6 against the Larsen set-up is catalogued as ECO B67. The move order is:
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 Nc6 6. Bg5 e6 7. Qd2 a6

Why 7…a6?

• Prepares …b5, gaining space and preventing Nb5 ideas that annoy Black’s queen and d6-pawn.
• Gives Black the option of an immediate …Bd7 followed by …b5 without worrying about Bxf6 doubling the f-pawns too early.
• Maintains flexibility: Black can later choose between …Be7, …h6, or the sharp …Qb6 lines.

Critical Continuations

1. 8.0-0-0 Bd7 9.f4 h6 10.Bh4 Be7 – the “main line,” balanced but complex.
2. 8.f4 h6 9.Bh4 g5 – the razor-sharp Velimirović thrust, often leading to opposite-side castles and mutual pawn storms.

Illustrative Mini-PGN

Strategic Themes

• Pawn Storms: Because the kings typically end up on opposite wings, speed is paramount. Every tempo counts after 0-0-0 by White and …0-0 by Black.
• Exchange on f6: Deciding when (or whether) to capture on f6 determines pawn structure and long-term king safety for both sides.
• Central Break …d5: Black’s thematic freeing advance; if achieved under good circumstances, it can blunt White’s bishop pair and pawn storm.

Notable Games

• Kasparov – Anand, Tilburg 1991: a model attacking win by Kasparov, showcasing h4-h5 pressure after long castling.
• Caruana – Vachier-Lagrave, Wijk aan Zee 2015: Black’s precise …b5 and …b4 counter-attack proved the resilience of 7…a6 at the top level.

Trivia

• Although computers initially scoffed at 7…a6 (claiming equal or slightly worse positions), modern engines like Stockfish and Lc0 now endorse it as one of Black’s most solid replies.
• In correspondence chess, the line has produced some of the longest razor-sharp analytical battles, often extending beyond move 40 in “tabbed” theory files.