Sicilian Defense Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack
Sicilian Defense, Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack
Definition
The Sicilian Defense, Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack is a sideline of the Sicilian Defense that begins with the moves:
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5
White forgoes the usual 3. d4 Open Sicilian in favor of an early bishop pin (or pressure) on the c6-knight. The system is named after the brilliant Soviet tactician Rashid Nyezhmetdinov and the Franco-American-Russian Grandmaster Vladimir Rossolimo, who independently popularized 3.Bb5 in the mid-20th century.
Typical Move Order & Branches
The most common continuations after 3.Bb5 are:
- 3…g6 – the classical Rossolimo set-up, aiming for a fianchetto on g7.
- 3…e6 – steering toward a Scheveningen-style pawn structure.
- 3…d6 – maintaining flexibility; may transpose into a Moscow Attack after …Bd7.
- 3…a6 4.Bxc6 dxc6 – the Nyezhmetdinov Variation; Black accepts doubled c-pawns for the bishop pair.
Strategic Objectives
- White tries to:
- Disrupt Black’s typical …d5 or …d6/…e6 structures by pressuring c6 and e5 squares.
- Keep the position semi-closed, avoiding the heavy theoretical battles of the Open Sicilian.
- Create structural targets (e.g., doubled c-pawns after Bxc6) or seize the initiative on the kingside with moves like f4, Qe1–h4, or b4.
- Black aims to:
- Complete development—often via …g6, …Bg7, …e5—and challenge the center later with …f5 or …d5.
- Exploit the bishop pair if White exchanges on c6.
- Use the half-open b-file (after …a6 Bxc6 dxc6) for counterplay.
Historical Background
Rossolimo recorded impressive results with 3.Bb5 against post-war grandmasters, prompting its inclusion in elite repertoires. Nyezhmetdinov, famed for his tactical flair, preferred capturing on c6 early, embracing imbalanced pawn structures that suited his attacking style. In modern times, the line has been used by World Champions Garry Kasparov, Magnus Carlsen, and Fabiano Caruana to sidestep deep computer-prepared main lines.
Illustrative Games
-
Carlsen – Anand, World Championship, Sochi 2014 (Game 2)
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 g6 4.O-O Bg7 5.Re1 e5 6.b4!?
A thematic pawn sacrifice that yielded a long-term positional bind and ultimately an endgame win for Carlsen. -
Nyezhmetdinov – Chernikov, Rostov 1957
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Bxc6 dxc6 5.d3 g6 6.Be3 b6 7.Nc3 Bg7 8.Qd2 e5 9.0-0-0
Nyezhmetdinov unleashed a kingside assault culminating in a famous queen sacrifice. The game remains a classic example of how doubled c-pawns can be outweighed by dynamic chances.
Typical Plans for Both Sides
- White castles quick-side (O-O) and prepares c3, d4 break to open the center when Black fianchettos.
- Exchange on c6 followed by c3, d4, Be3, Nbd2 and a slow squeeze on the doubled pawns.
- Kingside pawn storms with h4–h5 or f4–f5 against Black’s fianchetto.
- Black counters with …g6/…Bg7/…e5 and timely thrusts …f5 or …d5 to liberate the position.
- If White keeps the bishop, Black may chase it with …a6 and …b5, gaining queenside space.
Common Transpositions & Related Systems
The line can transpose into the Moscow Attack (3.Bb5+ against 2…d6) or even a Closed Sicilian if White withdraws the bishop to e2–f1 and plays g3. Conversely, Black can reach familiar Scheveningen or Kalashnikov pawn structures with accurate …e6, …d6, and …Nge7 setups.
When to Choose the Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo
Ideal for players who:
- Prefer strategic complexity over rote main-line memory.
- Enjoy bishop-knight imbalances and long-term structural plans.
- Need a practical weapon against heavily analyzed Najdorf, Sveshnikov, or Classical Sicilians.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
• Vladimir Rossolimo once claimed he invented 3.Bb5 while analyzing an unplayed correspondence game, later unveiling it in the 1930s Paris scene.
• Rashid Nyezhmetdinov’s remarkable score (plus-score against Tal!) included several wins with this very opening.
• The Rossolimo appeared in the very first computer-versus-World Champion match: Kasparov vs Deep Blue, Philadelphia 1996 (Game 4). Kasparov won in 45 moves.
• In online blitz, 3.Bb5 is a favorite of speed-chess specialists because it drastically reduces Black’s prepared choices, forcing practical play from move three.