Queen’s Pawn Opening: Rossolimo Variation
Queen’s Pawn Opening, Rossolimo Variation
Definition
The Queen’s Pawn Opening, Rossolimo Variation refers to the set-up that arises after 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 followed by an early 3. Bg5 (sometimes on move 4) without the customary c2–c4 advance. Typical move orders are:
- 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 e6 3. Bg5
- 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. Bg5
The variation is named after the French-American Grandmaster Nicolas Rossolimo (1910-1975) who employed it regularly in the 1940s and 1950s. ECO codes usually classify the line in the A46–A48 range under “Queen’s Pawn, Torre/Rossolimo systems.”
Core Ideas & Strategy
- Early pin or irritation: By developing the bishop to g5 before committing the c-pawn, White pins or at least annoys the knight on f6, delaying Black’s standard …d5 or …g6 plans.
- Flexible pawn structure: With c2 still at home, White can choose between several pawn schemes: c2-c3 (solid), c2-c4 (transposition to a Queen’s Gambit), or an eventual e2-e3/e2-e4 break.
- Reduced theory: Because White avoids sharp mainline Queen’s Gambit positions, the side-lines appeal to players who want a strategic battle without memorising reams of theory.
- Piece play over pawn tension: Rossolimo positions revolve around manoeuvring knights to e5 or g5, placing rooks on e1 and d1, and sometimes focusing on a kingside squeeze with h2-h4-h5.
Typical Plans for Each Side
- White
- Play Nbd2, c2-c3, and Qc2 to reinforce e4.
- Exchange on f6 at an opportune moment to double Black’s pawns.
- Switch gears into a Torre Attack structure (Bg5, Nbd2, e3, c3, Bd3, O-O).
- Black
- Break the pin with …h6 or …Be7 and later …d5.
- Seek counterplay with a timely …c5 (against e3 systems) or …e5 (if White delays e3).
- Re-route the f6-knight via d7–b6 or e4 once the bishop retreats.
Historical & Practical Significance
Although never the main highway of opening theory, the Rossolimo line has surfaced repeatedly at elite level as a surprise weapon. Magnus Carlsen, Viswanathan Anand, and Levon Aronian have all used it to sidestep heavily analysed Queen’s Indian and Grünfeld defences.
Rossolimo himself scored several sparkling wins with the idea, notably against Svetozar Gligorić (Belgrade 1952) where Bg5 was followed by an aggressive kingside pawn storm.
Illustrative Mini-Game
The diagram that appears after move 10 shows the typical contours: White has a solid centre, the g5-bishop has retreated but continues to eye f6, and Black is trying to chip away with …c5 and …b6–…Ba6.
Example from Grandmaster Play
Carlsen – Vachier-Lagrave, London Chess Classic 2015 reached the Rossolimo set-up after 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 g6 3.Bg5 Bg7 4.Nbd2 d6 5.e4. Carlsen steered the game into a slow-burn middlegame, gradually expanded on the queenside, and converted a small advantage in a long endgame—a textbook case of using the variation to dictate the strategic terrain.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Nicolas Rossolimo’s penchant for offbeat openings extended beyond 1.d4—his name is even more famous in the Rossolimo Attack against the Sicilian (1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5).
- Rossolimo once operated a chess-themed taxi service in New York City; passengers were offered a quick lesson while he drove them to their destination.
- The line is often confused with the Torre Attack; the simplest practical difference is that in the Torre the bishop comes to g5 on move 3 after 2.c4 or 2.Nf3 d5, whereas in the Rossolimo Variation c-pawn remains unmoved, giving White extra flexibility.
Why Choose the Rossolimo Variation?
For club and tournament players who like the positional flavour of the Queen’s Pawn openings but prefer to avoid the enormous libraries of theory that accompany the Queen’s Gambit and Indian Defences, the Rossolimo Variation offers:
- A manageable repertoire slot that can be learned quickly.
- Plenty of room for creative manoeuvring.
- The psychological benefit of steering opponents away from their pet mainlines.