Sicilian Rossolimo: 3...e6 4.O-O Nge7 5.c3 a6
Sicilian Defence – Rossolimo Variation: 3...e6 4.O-O Nge7 5.c3 a6
Definition
The move order 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 e6 4.O-O Nge7 5.c3 a6 defines one of the most solid and strategically rich branches of the Rossolimo Variation of the Sicilian Defence. By interposing ...e6 before ...a6, Black steers the game away from the doubled-pawn positions that often arise after 3...g6 and instead aims for a restrained, flexible structure reminiscent of both the Classical and Scheveningen Sicilians.
Typical Move Order
The critical moves are:
- 1.e4 c5
- 2.Nf3 Nc6
- 3.Bb5 e6 – Black prevents Bxc6 from damaging the pawn structure and keeps the light-squared bishop’s diagonal open.
- 4.O-O Nge7 – Aiming for ...d5 or ...g6 without blocking the c-pawn.
- 5.c3 a6 – Immediately questioning the b5-bishop and preparing ...b5.
Strategic Ideas
- Black’s Set-up
- ...a6 and often ...b5 drive the white bishop to a4 or c2, gaining space on the queenside.
- ...d5 break is thematic once the king is safe; alternatively Black may adopt a Scheveningen formation with ...d6 & ...Be7.
- ...Nge7 supports ...g6 and kingside fianchetto lines while preserving the option of ...d5 without blocking the c-file.
- White’s Plans
- Undermine the centre with d4, aiming for an open game where the bishop pair can operate.
- Create kingside pressure with moves such as Re1, d4, Nbd2, Nf1-g3.
- If Black plays ...b5 too early, the break a4 can undermine the pawn chain.
- Piece Play
- The b5-bishop often re-routes to c2, from where it eyes h7 after a future d3-d4-e5 advance.
- Black’s light-squared bishop usually emerges via e7 or d6, steering clear of early exchanges.
Historical Context
The Rossolimo (named after Russian-American GM Nicholas Rossolimo) became a fashionable anti-Sicilian weapon in the post-Fischer era. The precise line with 3...e6 gathered momentum in the 1990s when players such as Peter Svidler and Igor Glek demonstrated its reliability. Its popularity skyrocketed after Magnus Carlsen used related ideas against Viswanathan Anand in the 2014 World Championship match.
Illustrative Mini-Game
One common continuation is shown in the following short PGN snippet:
After 17 moves the position features: White – bishop pair and central space; Black – queenside expansion and the thematic ...d5 break already achieved.
Typical Tactical Motifs
- Bishop sac on e6 – if Black delays recapture or leaves the king in the centre.
- Exchange sacrifice on c3 – Black sometimes plays ...axb5 & ...Rxa4 when White’s queen ends up overloaded.
- Break ...d5 – Timed correctly, this frees Black’s position and opens lines for both bishops.
Model Game to Study
Fabiano Caruana – Nikita Vitiugov, Wijk aan Zee 2014 featured the exact move order and illustrated how Black equalises with a timely ...d5, followed by dynamic counterplay on the queenside.
Interesting Facts
- The line is considered so solid that many Najdorf specialists adopt it to avoid heavy home preparation in Open Sicilians.
- Computers initially underestimated the placement of the knight on e7, but modern engines now rate the structure as fully sound.
- Because the c-pawn remains on c7 for a long time, the variation can transpose into the Paulsen / Kan Sicilian if Black goes ...Qc7 & ...a6.
Summary
The sequence 3...e6 4.O-O Nge7 5.c3 a6 is a flexible, strategically complex answer to the Rossolimo. It offers Black a low-risk path to equality while maintaining chances for a counter-offensive, making it a favourite of many elite grandmasters in rapid and classical play alike.