Sicilian Rossolimo: 3...e6 4.O-O 5.Re1
Sicilian Defense, Rossolimo Variation: 3...e6 4.O-O Nge7 5.Re1
Definition
The sequence 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 e6 4.O-O Nge7 5.Re1 is a specific branch of the Rossolimo Variation of the Sicilian Defense. After sidestepping the main Open Sicilian with 3.Bb5, White aims to combine rapid development with positional pressure on the queenside pawn structure (especially the c6-knight and the d7-square). Black replies with 3…e6, preparing …Nge7 and …d5 or …g6 to contest the center in flexible fashion. White’s 5.Re1 is a modern, prophylactic move that reinforces e4, clears the f1-square for a bishop retreat, and keeps options open for c3-d4 or even b3-Bb2 setups.
Typical Move Order
The critical path leading to the tabiya is:
- 1.e4 c5 (Black chooses the Sicilian Defense)
- 2.Nf3 Nc6 (Nimzo-style Sicilian move order)
- 3.Bb5 (The Rossolimo Variation, pinning the knight)
- 3…e6 (Black unpins, supports …d5, and keeps the structure compact)
- 4.O-O (White castles, developing quickly)
- 4…Nge7 (Avoiding the pin on f6, reinforcing g6 or d5 ideas)
- 5.Re1 (Key Rossolimo nuance; White prepares c3-d4 and keeps the Bb5 hammer ready)
Strategic Themes
- Control of d5: Both sides jockey for the central dark-square outpost. With …e6 and …Nge7, Black hopes for …d5. White’s Bb5 plus Re1 makes d5 harder to achieve.
- c-file pressure: By pinning the c6-knight, White indirectly eyes the c5-pawn and may apply long-term pressure along the c-file after exchanging on c6.
- Pawn breaks: White intends c3 followed by d4, or sometimes b4. Black’s breaks are …d5 or …f5, depending on piece placement.
- King safety & flexibility: Re1 supports e4, liberating the f-pawn for a future f2-f4 thrust while retaining the option Bf1.
Historical & Theoretical Significance
The Rossolimo gained renewed popularity in the 2000s as an antidote to the heavily analyzed Open Sicilian. The sub-line with 3…e6 found devotees in elite circles— notably Magnus Carlsen, Sergey Karjakin, and Anish Giri—who use it to keep flexible structures and avoid forcing computer-mapped lines. Move 5.Re1 was popularized by Rossolimo specialist Sergei Rublevsky and refined in correspondence play, where the prophylactic rook move proved surprisingly venomous.
Illustrative Game
Carlsen – Mamedyarov, Tata Steel 2019
The World Champion employed 5.Re1 and steered the game into a slow buildup:
Carlsen’s centralized queen and long-term bishop pair secured a spatial plus, ultimately converting in a technical ending.
Typical Continuations After 5.Re1
- 5…a6 6.Bf1 (the “back-up bishop” line)
• 6…d5 leads to French-like structures after exd5 Nxd5.
• 6…g6 transposes into a hyper-accelerated Dragon where White maintains the pin. - 5…g6 6.c3 Bg7 7.d4 Classic Maroczy Bind flavor; White stakes out central squares while Black fianchettoes.
- 5…d6 A Scheveningen setup; Black plays …g6, …Bg7, and castles short, banking on a solid center and counterplay on the d-file.
Example Position to Visualize
After 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 e6 4.O-O Nge7 5.Re1 a6 6.Bf1 d5 7.exd5 Nxd5 the board typically shows:
- White: King g1, Queen d1, Rooks e1 & a1, Knights f3 & b1, Bishop f1 & b5 (often exchanged), pawns a2 b2 c2 d2 e4 f2 g2 h2.
- Black: King e8, Queen d8, Rooks a8 & h8, Knights d5 & g8 (soon f6), Bishop f8 & c8, pawns a6 b7 c5 d5 e6 f7 g7 h7.
Notice Black’s advanced d5-knight yet slightly loose queenside; White’s Re1 still eyes e6.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The inventor of the system, Nikolai Rossolimo, was a Parisian taxi driver who famously offered passengers “a free game of chess” during slow traffic.
- 5.Re1 is sometimes dubbed the “patient rook” move—doing apparently nothing, yet refuting several of Black’s most natural plans.
- Computer engines initially undervalued 5.Re1, preferring 5.c3, but cloud analysis revealed long-term pressure that engines only appreciate at higher depths.
Why Choose (or Avoid) This Line?
- Choose it if you:
- Like strategic maneuvering over heavy theory.
- Enjoy pin-based pressure and flexible pawn structures.
- Want to keep the game in quieter channels against Sicilian specialists.
- Avoid it if you:
- Crave sharp, forcing Open Sicilian tactics from move 5.
- Dislike subtle prophylaxis and positional squeezing.
Further Study
Recommended resources include:
- Sergei Rublevsky’s annotations in “Rossolimo & Friends”
- ChessBase database filter: Rossolimo, 3…e6 4.O-O Nge7 5.Re1
- Modern GM practice by Caruana, Carlsen, and Giri (2018-2024) [[Chart|Rating|Classical|2005-2024]]