Theoria
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Sicilian Defense

Richter-Rauzer Variation, Neo-Modern Variation, Early Deviations

B66tacticalaggressive

  1. 1.e4c5
  2. 2.Nf3d6
  3. 3.d4cxd4
  4. 4.Nxd4Nf6
  5. 5.Nc3Nc6
  6. 6.Bg5e6
  7. 7.Qd2a6
1,388 games44%12%44%

Catch-all for the Richter-Rauzer position after 7...a6, covering White's eighth-move options before the main Neo-Modern course with 8...Bd7.

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About the Early Deviations

This entry covers the Richter-Rauzer position after 7...a6, before Black commits to 8...Bd7, along with White's alternatives at move eight. 8. O-O-O is chosen in the large majority of games. 8. Nxc6 releases the central tension at once, and 8. f3 is a rarer try that has scored well for White. The engine gives White a slight edge, though practical results are nearly even.

Popular continuations