Riumin Variation

The Riumin Variation differs from the classical 5...Be7 of the Fianchetto Variation by inserting the check 5...Bb4+ and, after 6. Bd2, retreating with 6...Be7. Black spends a tempo to commit White's dark-squared bishop to d2, where it no longer covers f4 or g5. White most often replies 7. O-O, with 7. Nc3 a distant second. The engine rates the position as roughly balanced, and the line is seldom played.