Sicilian Defense: Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack

Before the first move

The Rossolimo Attack is a sophisticated alternative to the Open Sicilian. Instead of early pawn exchanges, White develops the light-squared bishop to pressure the knight on c6. This often leads to strategic battles where White might trade bishop for knight to damage Black's pawn structure, while Black seeks the pair of bishops.

1. e4White

White plays e4, the most popular opening move. By occupying the center, White prepares for rapid development. While many responses exist, Black will often choose to fight for the center asymmetrically rather than meeting it with e5.

1... c5Black · your move

Push your pawn to c5. This is the Sicilian Defense, the most successful response to e4. You are controlling the d4-square and creating an unbalanced position where you can play for a win with the black pieces.

Other paths here: f6 (Barnes Defense) · g5 (Borg Defense) · h6 (Carr Defense) · f5 (Duras Gambit)

2. Nf3White

White plays Nf3, the standard main line. This develops a piece and prepares to fight for the center. While White could try the Bowdler Attack with Bc4 or the Keres Variation with Ne2, the knight move is the most respected path.

Other paths here: Qg4 (Sicilian Defense: Amazon Attack) · Bc4 (Sicilian Defense: Bowdler Attack) · Nh3 (Sicilian Defense: Brick Variation) · g4 (Sicilian Defense: Grob Variation)

2... Nc6Black · your move

Develop your knight to c6. You are putting immediate pressure on the d4-square and developing your pieces toward the center. This is a robust way to meet White's setup and prepares for several different middle-game structures.

Other paths here: f5 (Sicilian Defense: Brussels Gambit) · h6 (Sicilian Defense: Bücker Variation) · g6 (Sicilian Defense: Hyperaccelerated Dragon) · e5 (Sicilian Defense: Jalalabad Variation)

3. Bb5White

White plays Bb5, the signature move of the Rossolimo. White bypasses the Portsmouth Gambit or the quiet d3 lines to immediately pressure your knight. You must now decide whether to ignore the threat with g6 or challenge the bishop with e6 or a6.

Other paths here: b4 (Sicilian Defense: Portsmouth Gambit) · b3 (Sicilian: 2...Nc6 3.b3) · Bc4 (Sicilian: 2...Nc6 3.Bc4) · d3 (Sicilian: 2...Nc6 3.d3)

Where you stand

The Rossolimo leads to a rich strategic struggle. White often aims to trade on c6 to create structural weaknesses, while Black typically relies on the bishop pair or a solid central wall to compensate. Both sides must be ready for a long, maneuvering battle where pawn structure and piece coordination outweigh immediate tactical fireworks.

• b5-c6 Trade bishop for knight to damage Black's structure
• e1-g1 Castle kingside to secure the king early
• g7-g6 Prepare to fianchetto the dark-squared bishop
• c6-d4 Use the knight to occupy the central d4 square