Sicilian Rossolimo: 3...g6 4.Bxc6 dxc6 5.d3

Sicilian Defense: Rossolimo Variation, 3...g6 4.Bxc6 dxc6 5.d3

Definition

The line 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 g6 4.Bxc6 dxc6 5.d3 is a branch of the Rossolimo Variation of the Sicilian Defense. After Black’s third-move fianchetto attempt with 3…g6, White exchanges on c6, damages Black’s pawn structure, and adopts a flexible hedgehog-style setup with d3, Nd2, and sometimes a later b3, Bb2. The position is strategically rich, leading to slow maneuvering battles rather than the sharp, theoretical main lines of the Open Sicilian.

Move Order

A typical sequence is:

• 1.e4 c5
• 2.Nf3 Nc6
• 3.Bb5 g6
• 4.Bxc6 dxc6
• 5.d3

White can postpone 4.Bxc6, but the immediate capture keeps theory to a minimum and forces Black to play with doubled c-pawns.

Strategic Themes

• Pawn Structure: Black’s doubled c-pawns (c7–c6) give White targets on c5 and c6, while Black gains the bishop pair and central space chances with …e5 or …f5.
• Minor-Piece Imbalance: White possesses the pair of knights versus Black’s bishops. Closed structures often favour the knights; therefore White tends to keep the centre compact with d3 and sometimes c3.
• King Safety: Both sides usually castle kingside. Because the centre remains relatively blocked, flank pawn breaks (b3, a4 for White; …h6, …e5, or …f5 for Black) become critical.
• Endgame Considerations: Damaged queenside pawns can haunt Black in simplified positions, so many players steer for middlegame complications to exploit their bishop pair before an endgame arises.

Plans for White

1. Complete development with O-O, Re1, Nbd2, and sometimes Nf1–g3 or Nc4.
2. Target the c-pawns by doubling rooks on the c-file or placing a knight on c4 or e5.
3. Break with b4 or d4 when it is tactically justified, converting spatial restraint into central or queenside activity.

Plans for Black

1. Leverage the bishop pair by opening the position with …e5, …f5, or occasionally …c4.
2. Place the dark-squared bishop on g7 to pressure the e5-square and the long diagonal.
3. Counter on the kingside with …h6, …g5, or …f5, especially if White castles early.

Historical Context

The Rossolimo Variation (3.Bb5) is named after Nicolas Rossolimo (1910-1975), a Russian-French-American grandmaster known for his flair and avoidance of heavy theory. The specific 3…g6 line gained popularity in the late 20th century as players like Kasparov and Anand sought alternatives to the heavily analysed 3…d6 and 3…e6 variations. The move 5.d3 was championed by GM Sergei Tiviakov in the early 2000s, who scored well with the quiet yet venomous setup.

Illustrative Games

• Tiviakov – Bologan, Hoogeveen 2002
  
  
  Tiviakov shows how a slow clamp with h3, g4, and Nd2-f1-g3 can restrain Black’s central breaks before targeting c5.
• Carlsen – So, Wijk aan Zee 2018
  World Champion Magnus Carlsen used 5.d3 to sidestep So’s Najdorf preparation, eventually winning a long endgame where the doubled c-pawns proved decisive.
• Anand – Gelfand, Candidates 2014
  A textbook demonstration of Black’s resources: Gelfand equalised cleanly with …e5, …Ne7, and …b6, emphasising the activity of the bishop pair.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• The line is a favourite of club players because it eliminates swathes of Sicilian theory after just one exchange on c6.
• GM Sergey Karjakin once remarked that he chooses 3…g6 against the Rossolimo when he wants “a Najdorf without having to remember anything.”
• In blitz chess, many players forget that after 5.d3 the seemingly natural 5…Bg7? 6.h3! followed by Be3 can trap Black’s queen if it strays to a5 or b6 too early.
• Computer engines initially evaluated the structure as slightly better for White, but modern neural-network engines (e.g., Lc0) often call it roughly equal, stressing dynamic bishop pair play.

Summary

The sequence 3…g6 4.Bxc6 dxc6 5.d3 offers White a positional, strategic method to challenge the Sicilian while steering clear of razor-sharp Najdorf or Sveshnikov lines. Black, on the other hand, gains the bishop pair and dynamic counterplay chances. Both sides must manoeuvre patiently, timing pawn breaks accurately to tip the balance in their favour.