Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack
Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack
Definition
The Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack is a branch of the Rossolimo Variation of the Sicilian Defence that begins with the move sequence 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 g6. After White develops the bishop to b5, Black chooses a kingside fianchetto rather than the more usual 3…d6 or 3…e6. The line is named after two creative attackers—French-American International Master Nicolas Rossolimo (1910-1975) and the Soviet tactical genius Rashid G. Nyezhmetdinov (1912-1974)—both of whom contributed important ideas and popularised the variation in tournament play.
Typical Move Order
One common continuation runs:
- e4 c5
- Nf3 Nc6
- Bb5 g6
- Bxc6 dxc6 (doubling Black’s c-pawns)
- d3 Bg7
- h3 e5
- Be3 b6
From this position White intends to consolidate the centre with c2-c3 and d3-d4, then target the weakened dark squares (d6, c5, e5) while Black seeks counterplay on the long diagonal a1-h8 and the half-open c-file.
Strategic Themes
- Dark-square control – By exchanging on c6, White removes Black’s natural defender of the dark squares and later parks a knight on d5 or a bishop on h6.
- Pawn-structure imbalance – Black’s doubled c-pawns give White clear targets, but in return Black gains the bishop pair and dynamic chances against White’s centre.
- Flexible centre – White often delays d2-d4, retaining the option of c2-c3 followed by a timely d3-d4 break.
- Fianchetto vs. quick development – Black invests a tempo in …g6 and …Bg7; if White plays energetically, this can be exploited before Black completes queenside mobilisation.
Historical & Notable Games
Two illustrative classics:
-
Rashid Nyezhmetdinov – Oleg Rudyak, USSR ch. qualifier, 1958
Nyezhmetdinov introduced the thematic exchange on c6, followed by a swift kingside offensive culminating in a sacrificial mating attack. -
Nicolas Rossolimo – Miguel Najdorf, Dubrovnik Olympiad 1950
Rossolimo demonstrated the quiet pressure style, squeezing Najdorf’s doubled pawns in a long endgame to score a technical win. (Full PGN omitted for brevity.)
Typical Tactical Motifs
- Exchange sacrifice on c6: After …bxc6, White uses the b-file and weakened d6 square.
- Bishop reroutes: Bb5-a4-c2 or Bb5-e2-g4 to provoke weaknesses.
- F4-f5 pawn storm: Especially when Black castles short, White leverages the space advantage to open lines against the king.
- Dark-square mating nets: A knight on d5 combined with a queen on h6 can lead to forced mates on g7 or f6.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Nicolas Rossolimo was also a Parisian taxi driver and sculptor; he taught chess passengers tactical tricks while driving them across the city.
- Rashid Nyezhmetdinov never became a Grandmaster only because of limited international opportunities, yet his games in this line are still used in modern tactics books.
- The move 3…g6 was once considered dubious; however, engines now evaluate the variation as fully playable, giving Black roughly equal chances with accurate play.
- The line is a favourite surprise weapon in rapid & blitz: the unusual pawn structure often takes Sicilian specialists out of heavily-analysed Najdorf or Sveshnikov territory.
Practical Advice
As White: be ready to switch styles—combine positional pressure against c6 and c5 with timely kingside tactics. As Black: aim for quick piece activity (…Bg7, …e5, …Ne7-c6) and do not hesitate to sacrifice the doubled pawn for dynamic play.