The Veresov Attack arises after 1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 and falls under ECO code D00. Named after Mikhail Chigorin, this opening is transpositional in nature and relatively uncommon at the highest levels, since the knight on c3 blocks the c-pawn from challenging Black's d5 pawn. Despite this, the system is considered sound and tends to produce closed positions with slow, strategic maneuvering. The principal continuations are 2...Nf6 3. Bf4, entering the Jobava London System, and 2...Nf6 3. Bg5, the Richter-Veresov Attack, which can transpose into the French Defence after 3...e6 or remain in independent territory after 3...Nbd7. Black has a wide range of alternatives: 2...e6 (usually leading to the same lines), 2...c6 (often transposing to the Caro-Kann after 3. e4), 2...g6, 2...Bf5, and more adventurous tries such as 2...f5!? (the Dutch Variation), 2...c5!? (the relatively unexplored Irish Gambit), or the unclear 2...e5!? (the Shaviliuk Gambit). After 2...Nc6 3. e4, the position transposes into the Nimzowitsch Defence. With 41.3 million Lichess games across all rating levels, it is one of the most popular openings.
History and Notable Players
It arises from the Queen's Pawn Systems (1...d5). Among the most prolific practitioners on the White side are Aleksey Dreev (417 games), Loek Van Wely (394 games), Ivan Farago (388 games). On the Black side, notable exponents include Aleksey Dreev (540 games), Oleg Korneev (437 games), Alexei Shirov (414 games).
Statistics
Based on 41.3 million Lichess games across all rating levels:
- White wins: 49.2%
- Black wins: 46.3%
- Draws: 4.5%
The statistics show a roughly balanced opening where both sides have equal chances.
Main Lines and Variations
After 1.d4 d5 2.Nc3, the main continuations include:
Each of these lines leads to distinct types of positions and requires its own understanding of the resulting pawn structures and piece placements.
Practice on Chessiverse
The best way to learn the Veresov Attack is through practice. On Chessiverse, you can play chess against computer opponents that specialize in this opening. Our AI bots range from beginner to grandmaster level, each with unique playing styles — from aggressive attackers to solid defenders. Choose a bot that matches your rating and work your way up as you master the opening's key ideas.
