The Ragozin Defense is a variation in the Queen’s Gambit Declined chess opening that arises after the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 Bb4 (diagram, left). The opening is flexible and can be reached through a number of different move orders.
This defense was developed by the Soviet chess grandmaster Viacheslav Ragozin who contributed much to opening theory for Black to achieve equality in the Queen’s Gambit and Nimzo-Indian. He was also a World Correspondence Chess Champion, popular author, and a sparring partner for Mikhail Botvinnik in his preparation for World Championship matches – Ragozin’s contribution is considered a significant factor in Botvinnik’s success.
Recently, the chess opening has seen a rise back to popularity after players such as Anish Giri and Levon Aronian added it to their repertoire, scoring well with Black.
In this exclusive iChess Club video, part 1 of a 3-part series on the Ragozin, IM Robert Ris takes a look at lines after White plays 5.Qa4.
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