Rossolimo Variation - Anti-Sicilian Opening

Rossolimo Variation

Definition

The Rossolimo Variation is an “Anti-Sicilian” line that begins with the moves 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 (diagram after 3.Bb5). Instead of entering the highly theoretical Open Sicilian with 3.d4, White immediately develops the bishop to b5, pinning or threatening to exchange the knight on c6 and steering the game into different, often quieter, channels.

Typical Move-Order

1. e4   c5
2. Nf3  Nc6
3. Bb5  …

Black’s most common replies are:

• 3…g6 (Fianchetto line)
• 3…e6 (Classical set-up aiming for …Nge7 and …d5)
• 3…d6 (transposing to a Scheveningen-style structure)
• 3…Nf6 (inviting 4.e5 Nd5 5.0-0)
• 3…Qc7 (avoiding doubled pawns and preparing …a6)

Strategic Ideas

• Control of the dark squares: By potentially exchanging on c6, White undermines Black’s control of d5 and weakens the d-pawn.
• Flexible pawn center: White often delays d2-d4, keeping options open for c2-c3 & d2-d4, or a later d2-d3 followed by c2-c4.
• Piece play over theory: Rossolimo sidelines many sharp Najdorf/Dragon lines, appealing to players who prefer understanding over memorization.
• Pawn structure questions for Black: Taking on c6 forces doubled c-pawns after …bxc6, giving White a clear target; declining the exchange may concede the bishop pair.

Historical Significance

The variation is named after the French-American Grandmaster Nicolas Rossolimo (1910-1975), who popularized 3.Bb5 during the 1940s and 1950s. Although the move was known earlier (it appears in a Capablanca game from 1911), Rossolimo’s deep analysis and frequent practical use cemented his name to the line. In the 21st century the Rossolimo has become one of the mainstream Anti-Sicilians, regularly employed by elite grandmasters such as Magnus Carlsen, Fabiano Caruana, Viswanathan Anand, Ding Liren, and Wesley So.

Usage in Modern Chess

• World Championship weapon: Carlsen, Caruana, and Nepomniachtchi have all used the Rossolimo in World Championship play to avoid deep Najdorf preparation.
• Rapid & Blitz favorite: Because it sidesteps theoretical minefields, it is common in faster time-controls where surprises are valuable.
• Club-level practicality: The plans are relatively easy to learn; even players with modest preparation can pose Black uncomfortable problems.

Illustrative Games & Positions

• Carlsen – Caruana, World Championship 2018 (Game 1)
  1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 g6 4.O-O Bg7 5.Re1 e5 6.b4! cxb4 7.a3. Carlsen introduced the dynamic pawn sacrifice 6.b4, showing the line’s potential for creative play.
  
• Kasparov – Anand, Linares 1999
  Anand met the Rossolimo with 3…d6 and achieved dynamism, yet Kasparov exploited the doubled c-pawns in a textbook minority-attack style endgame.
• Rossolimo’s own novelty: Nicolas Rossolimo – Najdorf, Dubrovnik Olympiad 1950. Rossolimo’s exchange on c6 followed by Qe2 and c3-d4 laid the groundwork for the modern treatment.

Key Tactical Motifs

• Bxc6+ followed by d2-d4: White trades bishop for knight, opens the center before Black can consolidate doubled pawns.
• Queen sortie to a4: After an early …a6, Qa4 can pin the c6-knight and pressure c6/c7.
• Greek-gift themes: In some 3…g6 lines, White may prepare Bxc6, then Bxh7+ when the knight on f6 is mis-placed.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Rossolimo was also an accomplished judo and café violin enthusiast; he reportedly offered free judo lessons to New York chess patrons in exchange for blitz games.
• Magnus Carlsen has used 3.Bb5 so frequently that some commentators jokingly call it the “Carlsolimo.”
• The move order 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 is mirrored in the Spanish Opening (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5), prompting players to recycle Ruy López ideas against the Sicilian.
• The Rossolimo can transpose into the Moscow Variation (3.Bb5+) if Black plays 2…d6 instead of 2…Nc6.

Typical Plans for Both Sides

For White:

• Rapid kingside castling and development.
• Consider Bxc6 to inflict structural damage, then target the c-pawns.
• Play for d2-d4 under favorable circumstances, or maintain a small central clamp with d2-d3 & c2-c4.

For Black:

• Choose a set-up (…g6, …e6, or …d6) based on style.
• If doubled pawns are accepted, leverage the half-open b-file and central majority.
• If avoiding exchange, aim for …a6 and …b5 to kick the bishop and expand on the queenside.

Conclusion

The Rossolimo Variation is a rich, strategically flexible weapon against the Sicilian Defense. Its blend of positional pressure, tactical chances, and relative theoretical modesty explains its enduring popularity from club play to World Championship matches.