Richter-Veresov Attack: how to handle the main tabiya

As White, you are aiming for a lively d4 system with quick piece activity. The bishop on g5 is the key feature of the Richter-Veresov Attack, because it creates pressure and makes Black think about how to meet your development. The position is not about grabbing an immediate advantage; it is about getting a playable structure where your pieces come out naturally and you can react well to Black's setup. Since the engine calls the position dead level, good move order and sound development matter more than any big tactical promise.

The engine's best move here is h6. That is the move you should expect most seriously, because it asks your bishop a direct question and keeps Black's position orderly. The line given by the engine continues with h6 Bh4 a6 Qd3, which shows the kind of calm middlegame setup Black is aiming for. In your own play, do not rush to invent threats; meet the challenge with steady development and keep your position flexible.

This exact position has been reached in 2,341,125 games in the Lichess database, so it is a very practical drill position rather than a rare sideline. White scores 48.5%, draws 4.2%, and Black wins 47.3%. That is another sign that the opening is balanced and playable for both sides. The most common continuations are e6 (916,601 games, White scores 48.0%), h6 (288,211 games, White scores 50.2%), Nc6 (282,773 games, White scores 50.0%), Bf5 (252,229 games, White scores 47.5%), c6 (157,674 games, White scores 47.0%), and Nbd7 (138,546 games, White scores 45.5%).

There is one known mistake in this position: e6 is an inaccuracy. It loses about 0.6 pawns, and the better move was h6. That makes the move a useful training point for you as White: if Black chooses a less accurate setup, stay alert and continue developing with purpose. The lesson here is simple — when Black does not answer the bishop directly, there may be a small timing issue to exploit, but the position still stays close to equal.