Romih Variation

The Romih Variation arises when Black meets 6. Bd3 with 6...Bb4 rather than the Meran's 6...dxc4 or the Chigorin's 6...Bd6. Introduced by the Italian master Max Romih, the bishop pins the c3-knight and contests e4 without releasing the central tension. It appears less often than the Meran in master play. White most often castles with 7. O-O; 7. Bd2 and 7. a3, the latter questioning the bishop at once, are the main alternatives. The engine gives White a slight edge.