Richter-Veresov: 3...h6

Before the first move

The Richter-Veresov Attack is an aggressive, piece-oriented approach to the Queen's Pawn Game. By developing the knight to c3 and pinning the f6-knight with Bg5, White seeks rapid development and kingside pressure, while Black must decide immediately how to challenge this active setup.

1. d4White · your move

Push your pawn to d4. This move stakes a claim in the center, controls the e5-square, and opens paths for your queen and dark-squared bishop to enter the game.

1... d5Black

Black replies d5, the most solid response to the queen's pawn. While Black could try the Englund Gambit with e5 or the English Defense with b6, this classical reply ensures a fair share of the center.

Other paths here: Na6 (Australian Defense) · g5 (Borg Defense: Borg Gambit) · b6 (English Defense) · e5 (Englund Gambit)

2. Nc3White · your move

Bring your knight to c3. Unlike the standard Queen's Gambit where you move the c-pawn first, here you prioritize rapid piece activity to put immediate pressure on the d5-pawn.

Other paths here: Qd3 (Amazon Attack) · e4 (Blackmar-Diemer Gambit) · e3 (Queen's Pawn Game) · Bf4 (Queen's Pawn Game: Accelerated London System)

2... Nf6Black

Black plays Nf6, reinforcing the center. Black has many creative tries here, such as Bf5 or the sharp Irish Gambit with c5, but developing the knight is the most principled and flexible choice.

Other paths here: Bf5 (Queen's Pawn Game: Chigorin Variation, Alburt Defense) · Bg4 (Queen's Pawn Game: Chigorin Variation, Anti-Veresov) · c5 (Queen's Pawn Game: Chigorin Variation, Irish Gambit) · e5 (Queen's Pawn Game: Chigorin Variation, Shaviliuk Gambit)

3. Bg5White · your move

Slide your bishop to g5. This creates an immediate pin on the f6-knight, threatening to disrupt Black's kingside structure and signaling your intent to play aggressively.

Other paths here: Nf3 (Queen's Pawn: Veresov, 3.Nf3) · Bf4 (Rapport-Jobava System) · f3 (Queen Pawn Opening, Veresov Opening) · e4 (Blackmar-Diemer, Lemberger Countergambit)

3... h6Black

Black plays h6, a direct challenge to the bishop. While Black often plays e6 or c6 to solidify, this move forces White to make a decision about the dark-squared bishop right away.

Other paths here: Bf5 (Richter-Veresov: 3...Bf5) · c5 (Richter-Veresov: 3...c5) · c6 (Richter-Veresov: 3...c6) · e6 (Richter-Veresov: 3...e6)

Where you stand

The position is sharp and full of life. White must now decide whether to trade on f6, which doubles Black's pawns but yields the bishop pair, or retreat to h4 to keep the pin. Black will likely follow up with c5 or e6, aiming for a sturdy center while preparing to exploit any overextension by White.

• g5-h4 Maintain the pin on the f6 knight
• c7-c5 Challenge the d4 pawn and gain space
• g1-f3 Develop the kingside knight toward the center
• e7-e6 Solidify the center and free the bishop