Richter-Rauzer Attack (6.Bg5)
The main line and most theoretical approach to the Najdorf. White pins the knight and prepares aggressive development, often leading to opposite-side castling and sharp tactical battles including the famous Poisoned Pawn Variation.
ECO Code
B95-B99
Difficulty
Expert Level
Style
Ultra-Sharp
Key Players
Fischer, Kasparov, Radjabov
Main Defensive Setups
6...e6 - Main Line
The most popular defense leading to opposite-side castling and mutual attacks.
6...e6 7.f4 Qb6 - Poisoned Pawn
The legendary Poisoned Pawn Variation where Black grabs the b2 pawn for material.
6...e6 7.f4 b5 - Polugaevsky
An immediate counterattack on the queenside, leading to sharp complications.
6...Nbd7 - Götheborg Variation
A solid alternative avoiding the main line complications while maintaining counterplay.
Strategic Themes
- Opposite-side castling: Creates immediate tactical complications and mutual attacks
- The pin on f6: White's Bg5 creates constant pressure on Black's kingside
- Pawn storms: Both sides advance pawns toward the enemy king
- Material vs time: Often one side sacrifices material for tempo and attack
- Theoretical depth: Requires extensive preparation and precise knowledge
White's Attacking Plan
White launches a devastating kingside attack with multiple pieces and pawns.
Black's Counterplay
Black must create threats against White's king faster than White can attack h7.
Critical Theory to Know
The Poisoned Pawn: After 8...Qxb2 9.Rb1 Qa3, Black's queen is trapped but the material gain compensates.
Polugaevsky Variation: 7.f4 b5 leads to immediate tactical complications that must be calculated precisely.
The English Attack: 9.0-0-0 followed by g4, h4, and kingside assault requires accurate defensive knowledge.
Typical Attack Patterns
Kingside Storm
h4-h5-h6, g4-g5-g6, creating a crushing pawn avalanche against Black's castled king.
Piece Sacrifices
Nxe6, Bxf6, Rxh7+ are common sacrificial themes to break through Black's defenses.
Discovery Attacks
The Bg5 often enables discovered attacks when the knight moves from d4.
Famous Games and Lines
This line has been tested in countless world championship games and matches.
Who Should Play 6.Bg5?
Only for players who enjoy theoretical battles and have time for deep preparation. The 6.Bg5 line requires extensive study but offers White excellent practical chances if properly prepared. Not recommended for casual players, but essential for serious competitive players seeking the most challenging Najdorf lines.
Modern Developments
Computer Analysis
Modern engines have refined the evaluation of many classical lines, finding new resources for both sides.
Recent Innovations
Top players continue to find new ideas and improvements in this theoretical battleground.
Practical Considerations
Despite deep theory, practical play and calculation still determine most game outcomes.
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