Sicilian Defense: Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack

Sicilian Defense: Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack

Definition

The Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack is a modern positional weapon against the Sicilian Defense that arises after:
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 g6
Unlike the more general Rossolimo Attack (3. Bb5 without …g6), the defining feature here is Black’s fianchetto plan with …g6 and …Bg7. White typically castles quickly and follows with 5. Re1, preparing c3–d4 central strikes and keeping the bishop pair under flexible control.

Typical Move Order

The most common tabiya reaches this position:

Other plausible sequences include 3…e6 4.Bxc6 dxc6 5.d3, but the name “Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo” is usually restricted to the …g6 setups.

Strategic Aims

• White:
  • Trade the light-squared bishop for the c6-knight, doubling Black’s c-pawns.
  • Control the d5-square, often anchoring a knight there or preventing …d5 breaks.
  • Delay or avoid an Open Sicilian while still seeking dynamic play via c3 & d4 or a kingside pawn storm.
• Black:
  • Leverage the bishop pair; the fianchettoed dark-squared bishop eyes the center and queenside.
  • Break in the center with …d5 at a favorable moment or expand on the queenside with …a6, …b5.
  • Exploit the half-open f-file after …Nf6, creating latent pressure against f2.

Historical Notes

• The French-American GM Nicolas Rossolimo popularized 3. Bb5 against the Sicilian during the 1940s-50s.
• The aggressive Soviet master Rashid Nyezhmetdinov (famous for sacrificial masterpieces) independently explored lines with …g6, inspiring the double-barreled naming.
• The system received fresh attention in the 1990s when GMs such as Anand and Ivanchuk used it as an anti-Najdorf surprise.

Illustrative Games

1. Nyezhmetdinov – Kasparian, Tbilisi 1951
   
   
   Classic attacking demonstration where the doubled c-pawns prove incurable weaknesses.
2. Anand – Kamsky, Las Vegas (FIDE KO) 1999
   Anand employed 5. c3, highlighting the system’s flexibility and scoring a smooth positional win.

Typical Plans & Ideas

• Exchange on c6: Bxc6 dxc6 leaves Black with an extra central pawn but long-term structural weakness.
• c3–d4 Break: After Re1, d3, Nbd2, the thrust c3 & d4 grabs space and opens lines for the rook.
• f2–f4 Push: In many middlegames White expands on the kingside, echoing themes from the Grand Prix Attack.
• Black’s …d5 Reaction: Timely central counterplay can equalize; therefore much theory circles around whether White can stifle or exploit this break.

Common Transpositions

• If Black answers 3…e6 instead of …g6, play can transpose to the Moscow Variation.
• If White plays 4. Bxc6 and Black recaptures with the pawn, some positions echo the Sveshnikov structure minus the dark-squared bishop.

Interesting Facts

• Nyezhmetdinov allegedly discovered his main ideas while analyzing blindfolded on a train journey.
• The line is a favorite of strong engines; in many computer matches it scores above 55% for White.
• Magnus Carlsen used the system against Vachier-Lagrave in Wijk aan Zee 2011 and won a famous rook endgame.

Why Choose It?

Players who enjoy positional pressure mixed with tactical chances and wish to sidestep Najdorf/Dragon theory will find the Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo an attractive addition to their repertoire. It is sound, flexible, and rich in strategic ideas—qualities that have kept it popular from Rossolimo’s day right up to elite super-tournaments.