Sicilian Rossolimo: 3...g6 4.Bxc6 dxc6 5.d3 Bg7 6.h3
Sicilian Defence: Rossolimo Variation, 3…g6 4.Bxc6 dxc6 5.d3 Bg7 6.h3
Definition
The sequence of moves 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 g6 4.Bxc6 dxc6 5.d3 Bg7 6.h3 is a branch of the Rossolimo Variation of the Sicilian Defence. By exchanging on c6 early, White inflicts structural damage (doubled c-pawns) while Black adopts a fianchetto set-up to keep the bishop pair and dynamic chances. The move 6.h3 is a useful waiting move that:
- Prevents …Bg4 pinning the knight on f3.
- Gives White the option of g2–g4 in certain plans.
- Maintains flexibility—White can castle either side or remain in the centre for some time.
Move Order
The critical path reaches the diagram below:
- 1.e4 c5 – The Sicilian Defence.
- 2.Nf3 Nc6 – Black invites the Rossolimo by postponing …d6.
- 3.Bb5 – White chooses the Rossolimo instead of the Open Sicilian.
- 3…g6 – Black prepares a kingside fianchetto rather than the more common 3…d6.
- 4.Bxc6 dxc6 – White trades bishop for knight, doubling Black’s c-pawns.
- 5.d3 – A modest development move guarding e4 and opening a diagonal for the c1-bishop.
- 5…Bg7 – Completing the fianchetto.
- 6.h3 – Stops …Bg4 and sets up flexible kingside plans.
Strategic Themes
- Structural Imbalance: Black’s doubled c-pawns (c7–c6) give White potential targets, but Black enjoys the bishop pair and central pawn mass.
- Dark-Square Grip: After …Bg7, Black controls the long diagonal. White often tries to blunt it with Be3, Qd2, or even the move g4–g5.
- Slow-Burn Middlegame: Unlike sharp Open Sicilians, positions here are maneuvering battles resembling the English Opening or Hedgehog structures.
- Centre vs. Flanks: Black may expand with …e5 or …f5, while White eyes the queenside with a2–a4, b2–b3, and pressure on c6.
Typical Plans
For each side:
- White
- Pressure the c-pawn chain: Rc1, Be3, Qd2, Na4–c5.
- King placement choice: short castle for solidity, or long castle followed by pawn storms g2–g4–g5.
- Central brake with c2–c3 & d3–d4 at the right moment.
- Black
- Use bishop pair: Ba6 targeting d3, Bc8 advances after …e5.
- Pawn breaks: …e5 to seize space; …f5 for kingside activity if the position allows.
- Queenside majority: sometimes …b6 and …a5 to release the c-pawn tension.
Historical Perspective
The Rossolimo (named after Russian-American master Nicolas Rossolimo) gained prominence as an anti-Sicilian weapon in the mid-20th century. The 3…g6 line was popularised by players seeking an immediate fianchetto, including Boris Spassky in the 1960s. In the 21st century, Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana have both employed this exact 6.h3 set-up at elite level, proving its resilience.
Illustrative Game
Carlsen vs. Nepomniachtchi, Champions Chess Tour 2020 (rapid)
Carlsen kept pieces on the board, targeted the c-pawns, and eventually won a long endgame, illustrating White’s slow-pressure strategy.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The seemingly quiet 6.h3 move has been nicknamed “the high-class waiting move” by some grandmasters because it stops all immediate counterplay and compels Black to show their hand.
- Despite saddling himself with doubled pawns, Black’s win rate in databases is roughly equal to White’s—a testament to the bishop pair’s latent strength.
- World Champions from Fischer to Carlsen have played both sides of this line, but Fischer reportedly preferred the more direct 4.0-0 rather than Bxc6.
When to Choose This Line
Play the 6.h3 Rossolimo if you:
- Enjoy positional games with clear long-term plans rather than immediate tactical chaos.
- Want to avoid encyclopedic Najdorf theory as White but still fight for an advantage.
- As Black, are comfortable with structural weaknesses in return for bishops and dynamic play.
Further Study
Consider examining these resources and games for deeper understanding:
- Spassky vs. Fischer, Buenos Aires 1960 (classic Rossolimo ideas).
- Caruana’s black games in the 2018 Candidates Tournament for modern handling.
- Any database search on the ECO code B31 focusing on the 3…g6 sidelines.