1.e4 — the open games
Sicilian, Richter-Rauzer Variation
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Nc6 6.Bg5ECO B60–B69
The main test of the Classical Sicilian: with 6.Bg5 White pins the knight, prepares Qd2 and long castling, and heads for a kingside pawn storm. A sharp, deeply-analysed battle where White attacks the king and Black seeks queenside and central counterplay.
Key ideas
- 6.Bg5 and Qd2 set up O-O-O and a g4–h4 pawn storm at Black's king.
- Black counters with …a6, …Bd7 and queenside expansion, or …e5/…e6 breaks for piece play.
- It's a race of attacks — precise move orders and knowing the theory really matter here.
Who it suits
Sicilian players ready for a sharp, theory-rich main line with attacks on opposite wings.
Add it to your repertoire.
Drill the Sicilian, Richter-Rauzer Variation move by move against the board until it's second nature.
Open the trainer