Theoria
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Sicilian Defense

Richter-Rauzer Variation, Neo-Modern Variation

B67tacticalaggressive

  1. 1.e4c5
  2. 2.Nf3Nc6
  3. 3.d4cxd4
  4. 4.Nxd4Nf6
  5. 5.Nc3d6
  6. 6.Bg5e6
  7. 7.Qd2a6
  8. 8.O-O-OBd7
801 games44%14%41%

Black's setup with ...a6 and ...Bd7 against the Richter-Rauzer with Qd2 and O-O-O, preparing ...b5 for sharp queenside counterplay.

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About the Neo-Modern Variation

The Neo-Modern Variation is one of Black's two main answers to the Traditional Richter-Rauzer. The moves 7...a6 and 8...Bd7 prepare ...b5 and queenside counterplay while Black postpones kingside castling. White most often replies 9. f4, while 9. f3 and the engine's preferred 9. Kb1 are the main alternatives. After 9. f4 Be7 10. Nf3 b5 11. Bxf6, the line becomes the Nyezhmetdinov Attack. The play is sharp, and White keeps a slight edge.

Popular continuations

Named variations 2