Richter-Rauzer Variation, Vitolins Variation

The Vitolins Variation replaces the Traditional 7. Qd2 with 7. Bb5. This pins the c6-knight while the g5-bishop already pins the f6-knight, so both of Black's developed knights are tied down. Black nearly always answers 7...Bd7, breaking the pin and preparing to recapture on c6 with the bishop. The rare 7...Be7 has scored poorly. The engine rates the position as roughly balanced, and practical results are close to even in this relatively uncommon sideline.