The Sicilian Richter-Rauzer (1 P-K4 P-QB4 2 N-KB3 N-QB3 3 P-Q4 PxP 4 NxP N-B3 5 N-QB3 P-Q3 6 B-KN5) has attracted the loyalty of more grandmasters than most other opening variations.

The fact that so many top players will play either color in this opening testifies to its inexhaustible complexity, and to the fine winning chances offered to well-prepared players in the interesting middle-games that arise.

The authors present the current state of theory in the Richter-Rauzer, introducing some original ideas of their own, and indicating where further analysis and experiment is likely to prove useful.