Chess opening · ECO B60
Sicilian Defense: Richter-Rauzer Variation
The Sicilian Defense: Richter-Rauzer Variation starts 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 Nc6 6. Bg5. It ranks #164 of the 174 openings on this site by how often rated players on Lichess reach it.
Move by move
- 1. e4White pushes the e-pawn two squares to e4, staking a claim in the center.
- 1... c5Black pushes the c-pawn two squares to c5.
- 2. Nf3White develops the kingside knight to f3.
- 2... d6Black advances the d-pawn to d6.
- 3. d4White pushes the d-pawn two squares to d4, staking a claim in the center.
- 3... cxd4Black takes the pawn on d4 with the c-pawn.
- 4. Nxd4White recaptures on d4 with the knight.
- 4... Nf6Black develops the kingside knight to f6.
- 5. Nc3White develops the queenside knight to c3.
- 5... Nc6Black develops the queenside knight to c6. It now attacks the knight on d4.
- 6. Bg5White develops the dark-squared bishop to g5. It now attacks the knight on f6.
What players choose next, by rating
The three most common Black moves from this position in rated Lichess games, grouped by the rating of the player making the move. e6 is the most popular next move in every rating band.
| Rating | Most common | Second | Third |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1400–1599 | e6 60% | e5 25% | g6 15% |
| 1600–1799 | e6 61% | g6 16% | e5 13% |
| 1800–1999 | e6 100% | – | – |
| 2000 and up | e6 75% | Bd7 25% | – |
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