The Richter-Rauzer Variation, Rauzer Attack is a variation of the Sicilian Defense, catalogued as ECO B65. The line runs 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 Nc6 6. Bg5 e6 7. Qd2 Be7 8. O-O-O O-O 9. f4 Nxd4, reaching the position shown below after 18 half-moves.
White holds the centre with pawns on e4. Development is level at three minor pieces each, and Black is up three points of material. It is White to move after nine moves. The kings have gone to opposite wings (White queenside, Black kingside), which usually means both sides attack with pawns and the faster attack wins.
On the Sicilian Defense generally: The most popular and aggressive response to 1.e4. Black fights for the center asymmetrically, leading to rich tactical play.
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The Richter-Rauzer Variation, Rauzer Attack goes 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 Nc6 6. Bg5 e6 7. Qd2 Be7 8. O-O-O O-O 9. f4 Nxd4. It is a variation of the Sicilian Defense and is catalogued as ECO B65.
The Richter-Rauzer Variation, Rauzer Attack is ECO B65. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Sicilian Defense.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 Nc6 6. Bg5 e6 7. Qd2 Be7 8. O-O-O O-O 9. f4 Nxd4 at +0.55 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for White, within normal opening margins. 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.
White holds the centre with pawns on e4. Development is level at three minor pieces each, and Black is up three points of material. It is White to move. The kings have gone to opposite wings (White queenside, Black kingside), which usually means both sides attack with pawns and the faster attack wins.