Sicilian Rossolimo: 3...g6 4.O-O Bg7 5.Re1 e5

Sicilian Defence – Rossolimo Variation, 3…g6 4.O-O Bg7 5.Re1 e5

Definition

This line arises after the moves 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 g6 4. O-O Bg7 5. Re1 e5. It is a sub-variation of the Rossolimo, an “Anti-Sicilian” system in which White sidesteps the main Open Sicilian (3. d4) and instead places the bishop on b5 to exert positional pressure. The chosen move order features Black’s …g6 and …Bg7 (a Dragon-style kingside fianchetto) followed by the immediate central thrust …e5. The position is rich in strategic ideas: Black grabs space in the centre while willingly ceding the d5-square, whereas White plays for long-term pressure, often using the lever c3–d4 or queenside expansion with b4.

Typical Move Order

The critical sequence is:

1. e4 c5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. Bb5 g6
4. O-O Bg7
5. Re1 e5 (diagram)

Strategic Themes

• Black’s central clamp: By placing a pawn on e5, Black claims space and blocks the natural break d2-d4. However, the pawn becomes a target and creates an enduring hole on d5.
• White’s control of d5: The Rossolimo bishop can exchange on c6, leaving Black with doubled c-pawns; the d5-square then serves as an outpost for a knight (usually Nb4-d5 or Nc3-d5).
• Queenside expansion: Plans with a2-a4 and b2-b4 are commonplace. After Bxc6, the resulting semi-open a-file allows White to generate pressure against Black’s queenside structure.
• c3 & d4 break: The pawn duo c3–d4 is a thematic attempt to undermine e5. Timing is critical because premature d2-d4 can be met by …cxd4 followed by …d5.
• King safety & piece placement: Both sides have already castled (or are about to). Maneuvering battles revolve around Nf3–d2–c4 or Nf3–h4–f5 for White, while Black often reroutes a knight via g8-e7-c6 or g8-h6-f7.

Historical Notes

The variation bears the name of Nicolas Rossolimo (1910-1975), a French-American grandmaster famous for his creative treatment of 3.Bb5 systems. The 3…g6 line gained attention in the 1990s when players such as Vladimir Kramnik and Gata Kamsky adopted it to avoid heavily analysed Open Sicilians. Its popularity exploded in the 21st century thanks to Magnus Carlsen, Fabiano Caruana, and Viswanathan Anand, who all used the setup as Black at elite events.

Example Games

• Carlsen – Caruana, Shamkir 2015
  The World Champion employed 6.b4! and converted the grip on d5 into a long endgame win.
  
• Anand – Gelfand, World Championship 2012 (Game 9)
  Anand chose 6.c3 followed by d4; Gelfand equalised comfortably, illustrating Black’s resilience with accurate preparation.
• Nakamura – Kramnik, London Classic 2016
  An instructive draw where Black achieved …f5 and neutralised White’s pressure, showcasing a dynamic counter-plan.

Typical Continuations

1. 6.b4!
   Idea: Rapid queenside space gain. If 6…Nxb4 7.c3 Nc6 8.d4! exd4 9.cxd4 Nge7 10.Bg5 with strong pressure.
2. 6.c3
   Prepares d2-d4. After 6…Nge7 7.d4 exd4 8.cxd4 cxd4 9.Bg5, the structure resembles a Maroczy Bind with colours reversed.
3. 6.Nc3
   Developing normally, eyeing d5. Black can choose 6…Nge7 or 6…Nf6, aiming for …d6 and …O-O with flexible play.

Why Choose This Line?

• For White: Avoids reams of Najdorf/Sveshnikov theory, keeps the position strategically rich and manageable.
• For Black: Retains Sicilian counter-punching spirit, reduces the power of Bxc6 by building a solid pawn chain c5-d6-e5, and transposes into structures akin to the King’s Indian Defence.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Rossolimo’s café: Nicolas Rossolimo ran a chess studio in New York City where he analysed his pet line with visiting masters and even casual customers!
• When Kramnik unveiled 3…g6 against Kasparov (Dortmund 1995), commentators were surprised because Garry himself had promoted the Rossolimo as White. The game was drawn after complex manoeuvring, boosting the line’s reputation.
• The 5…e5 move is sometimes called the “Pelikan System of the Rossolimo” because, like the Sveshnikov-Pelikan (…e5 on move 5), it seizes central space while accepting positional concessions.
• In modern databases, the position after 5…e5 scores roughly 50 % for each side, underlining its practical soundness at every level from club play to world championships.