The Malich Gambit is a variation of the Richter-Veresov Attack, catalogued as ECO D01. The line runs 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bg5 c5 4. Bxf6 gxf6 5. e4 dxe4 6. d5, reaching the position shown below after 11 half-moves.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d5, Black on e4). Development is level at two minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is Black to move after six moves. Black has doubled pawns on the e- and f-files; Black’s h-file pawn is isolated; Black has the bishop pair.
On the Richter-Veresov Attack generally: ECO D01. A chess opening with 8 known variations.
You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.
All Richter-Veresov Attack variations
The Malich Gambit goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bg5 c5 4. Bxf6 gxf6 5. e4 dxe4 6. d5. It is a variation of the Richter-Veresov Attack and is catalogued as ECO D01.
The Malich Gambit is ECO D01. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Richter-Veresov Attack.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bg5 c5 4. Bxf6 gxf6 5. e4 dxe4 6. d5 at -1.09 at depth 18, which is a small but real edge for Black. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d5, Black on e4). Development is level at two minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is Black to move. Black has doubled pawns on the e- and f-files; Black’s h-file pawn is isolated; Black has the bishop pair.