Veresov Opening - Attack, Variations, Plans

Veresov

Definition

The term Veresov most commonly refers to the Veresov Opening (also called the Veresov Attack), which arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bg5. Unlike classical queen-pawn systems such as the Queen’s Gambit (2. c4) or the Colle (2. Nf3 and 3. e3), the Veresov immediately develops the queen’s knight and dark-squared bishop to put tactical pressure on Black’s center—especially the e7–pawn—and to invite early complications.

Move Order & Main Variations

By far the most popular sequence is:

• 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bg5 – the “classic” Veresov.
• Black’s three most common replies on move 3 are:
  1. 3…Nbd7 (solid, preparing …e6 and keeping options flexible).
  2. 3…e6 (the “French-style” setup, often transposing to a sort of Tarrasch or Rubinstein structure).
  3. 3…c6 (a Slav-like structure that challenges the d5-square).
• An alternate move order is 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bg5. The name and plans remain identical.

Strategic Themes

• Early Pin: 3.Bg5 pins the f6-knight, discouraging …e6–e5 breaks and sometimes enabling e2-e4 in one move.
• Flexible Center: White can choose among c2-c3 & e2-e3 (quiet), f2-f3 (aggressive), or even e2-e4 (gambit-style Tarrasch structures).
• Piece Play over Pawn Structure: Because White delays c-pawn advance, play revolves around piece activity, much like in the Trompowsky (1.d4 Nf6 2.Bg5).
• Black’s Counterplay: The thematic break …c5 challenges White’s center; …Qb6, …Qb6, or …Qxd4 is common when the d4-pawn is loosely protected.

Historical Background

The opening is named after the Soviet master Gavriil Nikitich Veresov (1912-1979), who used it repeatedly in the 1930s and 1940s to score upset wins against better-known contemporaries. Veresov’s 6-point (+5 –0 =2) performance on board one at the 1956 Soviet Team Championship featured several dazzling victories with his pet line, cementing his name in opening theory.

Illustrative Examples

Below is a celebrated attacking game that demonstrates typical ideas:

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Note how White sacrifices material to rip open the g- and h-files, a theme found in many Veresov victories.

Typical Plans

• For White
  • Play f2-f3 and e2-e4 to seize the center.
  • Castle queenside (O-O-O) and launch a pawn storm with g2-g4-g5 or h2-h4-h5.
  • Exploit the pin with tactics such as Bxf6 (doubling Black’s pawns) followed by Qd2-O-O-O.
• For Black
  • Break with …c5 or …e5 as soon as it is tactically justified.
  • Unpin the knight via …Nbd7-b6–Bb7 or …Be7-Nbd7-O-O.
  • Target the d4-pawn after White’s e2-e4 push: …Bb4+, …c5, and …Qb6 are common motifs.

Statistical Snapshot

Modern databases show the Veresov scoring a respectable 52-53 % for White in master play, though it is less popular than 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4. It is especially effective in rapid and blitz where unfamiliarity can be decisive.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Grandmaster Alexander Morozevich revived the line in the early 2000s, famously defeating Wang Yue with it in the 2006 Russian Superfinal.
• The ever-creative Magnus Carlsen used a Veresov move order against Ian Nepomniachtchi (Wijk aan Zee, 2011) to avoid Nepo’s Grünfeld preparation and won after a long grind.
• Because the bishop lands on g5 and the knight on c3, some players jokingly call it “the Queen’s Trompowsky” or “Tromp 2.0.”
• Engine theory suggests that with best play the position remains equal, yet the imbalance of piece placement often leads to decisive results—perfect for club players seeking unbalanced fights.