Rossolimo Variation - Anti-Sicilian System

Rossolimo Variation

Definition

The Rossolimo Variation is an Anti-Sicilian system that arises after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5. Instead of entering the Open Sicilian with 3. d4, White develops the light-squared bishop to b5, immediately challenging the knight on c6. The key strategic idea is to exchange on c6 at a moment of White’s choosing, often inflicting doubled c-pawns on Black and steering the game into more controlled, positional channels than many sharp Sicilian main lines.

How it is used in chess

The Rossolimo is used to:

Avoid heavily analyzed Open Sicilian battlegrounds while still fighting for an advantage.
Target Black’s queenside structure (after Bxc6 dxc6) and the d5/e5 squares.
Reach flexible setups where White can choose between quiet pressure (d3, Re1, Nbd2) and central expansion (c3 followed by d4).

It is a main weapon against the Sicilian move order with ...Nc6. If Black plays 2...d6 instead, 3. Bb5+ leads to the related Moscow_Variation rather than the Rossolimo.

Move order and core ideas

The canonical starting moves are:

3...g6: The most popular reply. Black fianchettos and often recaptures with ...dxc6 after Bxc6, keeping the center flexible and the long diagonal open.
3...e6: A solid setup. Black often aims for ...Nge7 and ...a6, keeping a compact structure and preparing ...d5 in good conditions.
3...Nf6: Attacks e4; White must be ready for central tension (d3, Nc3, or even e5 in some lines).
3...Qb6: A more provocative line hitting e4 and b5, trying to challenge White’s move order.

Typical pawn structures

Doubled c-pawns for Black: After Bxc6 dxc6, Black’s c-pawns are split (c6 and c5). White gains clear targets and central squares (d5/e5), while Black has the bishop pair and dynamic counterplay.
Closed center with d3 vs. ...e5: If Black establishes ...e5, both sides maneuver behind a semi-closed center; White often plays Nbd2–c4, a2–a4, and sometimes b2–b4.
c3–d4 break: White can delay Bxc6 and prepare c3 and d4 to open the center on favorable terms, especially if Black’s development is lagging.

Plans for White

Structural pressure: Exchange on c6 at the right time to create (or keep threatening) weaknesses on c5/c6 and d6.
Harmonious development: Typical setup: 0-0, Re1, h3, d3, Nbd2, sometimes a2–a4, c3, and either Be3/Bg5 or Bb2 via b3.
Key breaks: c3–d4 (central expansion), or b4 (space on the queenside in some ...e5 structures).
Outposts: Establish a knight on d5 or e5 if Black allows it; these squares often become prime posts.

Plans for Black

Dynamic bishop pair: Use the long diagonal (after ...g6 ...Bg7) and aim for timely ...d5 or ...f5 in some lines.
Counterplay on the queenside: ...a6, ...Rb8, and ...b5 can gain space and blunt White’s queenside ideas.
Central clamps: In ...e6 setups, Black often plays ...Nge7 and ...d5 or holds ...e5 with a compact formation.
Piece activity: Well-timed ...Nd4 can challenge White’s bishop on b5 and provoke trades under good circumstances.

Common move orders and transpositions

Rossolimo proper: 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5.
To the Moscow Variation: 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. Bb5+ (check on b5 because the knight is not on c6).
Anti-Sveshnikov strategy: Many players choose 3. Bb5 specifically to avoid allowing the Sveshnikov after 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e5.
Flexible delays: White can delay Bxc6 to keep strategic tension; Black can answer with ...g6, ...e6, or ...Nf6 and steer the game toward different structures.

Illustrative examples

Typical structure after an early exchange on c6 (one common plan for both sides):

After 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 g6 4. Bxc6 dxc6 5. O-O Bg7 6. Re1 e5 7. d3, the center is semi-closed. White eyes d5 and the c5/c6 complex; Black relies on the bishop pair and queenside space (…a5/…b5) or central breaks (…f5/…d5) after preparing.

A line where White keeps the bishop and develops flexibly:

Here, after 3...e6, Black aims for ...Nge7 and ...d5. White keeps options with Bf1, then strikes in the center when it’s favorable.

Strategic and historical significance

Named after Nicolas Rossolimo (1910–1975), who championed the line in the mid-20th century, the Rossolimo Variation has evolved into a top-level mainstay. It blends positional pressure with dynamic potential and has been a trusted Anti-Sicilian weapon in elite events for decades.

World Championship usage: Magnus Carlsen employed the Rossolimo repeatedly against Fabiano Caruana in the 2018 World Championship match to sidestep the Sveshnikov and keep persistent, low-risk pressure.
Modern popularity: Leading grandmasters such as Carlsen, Anand, Caruana, and Giri have all used it, contributing to a deep and ever-growing body of theory.

Typical tactics and motifs

Bxc6 to damage structure: Timing is everything; exchanging too early can hand Black quick development, but at the right moment it creates long-term targets.
Nd5/e5 outposts: Knight hops into d5 or e5 if Black neglects central control.
…Nd4 resource: In some lines, Black hits the b5–bishop and c2/e2 squares with ...Nd4, forcing clarifications. Be alert to tactics involving ...Nxb5 or ...Bxc3 and a quick ...Qb6 pin.
c3–d4 break: Often prepared with Re1, h3, and Qe2 to ensure central stability when the center opens.

Model games to study

Magnus Carlsen – Fabiano Caruana, World Championship (2018): Multiple games featured the Rossolimo. Carlsen used small, cumulative pressure to neutralize Black’s counterplay.
Classical Rossolimo games (mid-20th century): Nicolas Rossolimo’s own encounters illustrate the original strategic aims—timely Bxc6 and controlled central play.

Interesting facts

Nicolas Rossolimo, the line’s namesake, was also known for his life in New York City, where he ran a chess studio in Greenwich Village and became a beloved figure in the local chess scene.
The Rossolimo has a reputation as a “practical” weapon: easier to handle strategically than many Open Sicilians, yet rich enough to play for a win with White.

Practical tips

As White, don’t rush Bxc6—make sure you benefit from the exchange (e.g., you can attack c5/c6 or seize d5).
As Black, decide early whether you aim for dynamic play with ...g6 (bishop pair, long diagonal) or a more classical structure with ...e6 and timely ...d5.
Both sides should watch for the c3–d4 break: it’s a central lever that can transform the position’s character.
Move-order nuances matter: be aware of ...Qb6 and ...Nd4 ideas, and how your setup (Re1/Qe2/h3) defuses them.

Rossolimo Variation - Anti-Sicilian System