ECO B31

Sicilian Rossolimo

Also known as: Rossolimo Variation, Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack

The Sicilian Rossolimo, reached after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5, is one of the most respected anti-Sicilian systems. Rather than plunging into the sprawling theory of the Open Sicilian with 3.d4, White develops the light-squared bishop with immediate pressure on the c6-knight. The result is a strategically rich, low-theory battle in which White plays for a small but durable positional edge, often by exchanging on c6 to damage Black's pawn structure.

1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5

Strategic ideas

The defining resource of the Rossolimo is the exchange Bxc6, which saddles Black with doubled c-pawns or otherwise weakens the queenside structure. After capturing, White typically plays for a slow positional bind: closing or fixing the pawns, blockading on the light squares the bishop has left behind, and steering toward endgames where the superior structure tells. Because White has surrendered the bishop pair, timing matters; the trade is most effective when Black cannot easily activate the two bishops or use the half-open files for counterplay.

White is by no means obliged to capture. A common alternative is to retreat the bishop, often after ...a6 with Ba4-b3 or by heading to c4-style squares, keeping the tension and playing a maneuvering game with c3 and d4 breaks. Black, for his part, seeks activity to justify any structural concessions: the bishop pair, pressure down the half-open files, and central or kingside expansion. The middlegames are less forcing than the Open Sicilian and reward understanding of pawn structures over memorized lines.

Main variations

The most principled continuation is 3...g6, preparing to fianchetto the bishop and challenge White's center. White frequently answers with 4.Bxc6 dxc6 (recapturing toward the center) 5.d3 followed by kingside castling and a plan of Nbd2, h3 and a slow squeeze, often aiming for the e5 break or a Nc4-e3 regrouping. The alternative recapture 4...bxc6 keeps the pawns more compact but concedes different weaknesses, and White may steer play with h3 and e5 ideas.

Black's other main tries are 3...e6, preparing ...Nge7 and a flexible setup that avoids doubled pawns, and 3...d6, transposing into structures where White can retreat the bishop or castle first. In many lines White simply plays 4.O-O and only later decides whether to trade on c6, keeping options open. The Rossolimo is closely related to the Moscow Variation, which arises when Black meets 2.Nf3 with 2...d6 and White again pins with 3.Bb5+.

History and background

The line is named after Nicolas Rossolimo, who championed 3.Bb5 in the mid-twentieth century, and it is also known as the Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack in recognition of Rashid Nezhmetdinov's contributions. Once regarded as a quiet sideline, the variation grew steadily in prestige as players sought to avoid the ever-expanding theory of the Open Sicilian, and its blend of low preparation and lasting positional pressure has made it a mainstay at every level, from club play to the elite.

Key ideas

• 3.Bb5 sidesteps the immense theory of the Open Sicilian.
• Bxc6 damages Black's pawn structure for a lasting positional edge.
• White trades the bishop pair to win a structural concession.
• Black seeks activity and the two bishops as compensation.
• Low-theory, strategy-first character suits players of all levels.
• Twin of the Moscow Variation, which meets 2...d6 with 3.Bb5+.

Typical plans

Related openings

• Sicilian Defense
• Ruy López
• Sicilian Alapin
• Accelerated Dragon