Sicilian Defense: Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack

The Rossolimo Variation (1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5), called the Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack in this database, is a well-respected alternative to the Open Sicilian with 3.d4. White develops the bishop to b5 and often gives it up for the knight on c6, leaving Black with doubled pawns.

Origins

The variation is named after Nicolas Rossolimo and is related to the Moscow Variation (2...d6 3.Bb5+). Sergei Rublevsky and Tomáš Oral play both lines. Fabiano Caruana is perhaps its biggest proponent at the top level: he played it in games 1, 3 and 5 of his 2018 World Championship match against Magnus Carlsen.

The idea

White's usual intention is Bxc6, damaging Black's pawn structure. 3.Bb5 is also a common way to avoid the Sveshnikov Variation, which arises after 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 e5.

Main lines

• 3...g6, the Fianchetto Variation, preparing ...Bg7.
• 3...d6, preparing ...Bd7; this hybrid line also arises from the Moscow Variation after 2...d6 3.Bb5+ Nc6.
• 3...e6, preparing ...Nge7.

Strengths and weaknesses

Strengths

• White avoids the Sveshnikov and much of the Open Sicilian theory.
• Bxc6 leaves Black with doubled pawns.

Weaknesses

• Giving up the bishop hands Black the bishop pair.
• Black has several sound set-ups and is not forced into any one structure.

Who should play it

The Rossolimo suits White players who want a positional answer to 2...Nc6 and who are comfortable trading bishop for knight.

The numbers

On Lichess the results are close below 1800: 49.6% for White against 46.7% under 1400 and 49.1% against 46.8% at 1400–1799. From 1800 White pulls ahead, 50.8% against 44.1% at 1800–2199 and 51.2% against 41.3% from 2200 up. In about 38,600 master games White won 34.3%, Black 22.3%, and 43.3% were drawn.