Sicilian Defense: Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack, Fianchetto Variation

Before the first move

The Rossolimo Attack is a sophisticated alternative to the Open Sicilian. Instead of early pawn exchanges, White uses the bishop to pressure the c6-knight, while Black often prepares a kingside fianchetto to control the long diagonal. It leads to strategic, maneuvering battles where structural integrity often outweighs raw speed.

1. e4White

White opens with e4, the most popular move in chess, aiming for rapid development and central control. By occupying e4, White prepares to influence the d5 and f5 squares while clearing lines for the kingside pieces. Black will now choose how to challenge this central dominance.

1... c5Black · your move

Advance your pawn to c5. This is the Sicilian Defense, the most ambitious way to meet e4. By attacking the d4-square from the flank, you create an asymmetrical struggle where you aim for a central pawn majority and counterplay on the c-file.

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

2. Nf3White

White plays Nf3, the main line of the Sicilian. This move prepares to open the center with d4, though White can also choose the Alapin with c3 or the Grand Prix Attack with f4. By developing the knight, White maintains maximum pressure and flexibility.

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

Bring your knight to c6. This move develops a piece toward the center and increases your control over the d4-square. It is a fundamental part of many Sicilian systems, preparing to meet White's next move with active piece play.

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. Instead of the typical d4, White chooses to pressure the c6-knight. You could also see d4 leading to the Open Sicilian or even the Portsmouth Gambit with b4, but the Rossolimo is a favorite for those who prefer positional pressure.

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)

3... g6Black · your move

Push your pawn to g6. You are preparing to fianchetto your bishop on g7, where it will exert powerful pressure along the h8-a1 diagonal. This setup is the most popular response to the Rossolimo, challenging White's bishop and preparing for a solid kingside defense.

Other paths here: Nb8 (Sicilian Defense: Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack, Brooklyn Retreat Defense) · e6 (Sicilian: Rossolimo, 3...e6) · Nf6 (Sicilian: Rossolimo, 3...Nf6) · Qb6 (Sicilian: Rossolimo, 3...Qb6)

Where you stand

The position is rich with strategic depth. White often trades the bishop for the knight on c6 to double Black's pawns, while Black relies on the pair of bishops and the strong g7-fianchetto for long-term compensation. Both sides will now focus on king safety and central pawn breaks like c3-d4 for White or f5 for Black.

• e1-g1 Secure the king and activate the rook
• f8-g7 Fianchetto the bishop to control the diagonal
• b5-c6 Trade the bishop to damage pawn structure
• c2-d4 Prepare d4 to challenge the center
• e8-g8 Castle kingside after developing the bishop