Sicilian Rossolimo: 3...g6 4.O-O Bg7 5.Re1 Nf6
Sicilian Defense: Rossolimo Variation (3...g6 4.O-O Bg7 5.Re1 Nf6)
Definition
The Rossolimo Variation arises after the opening moves
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 when White forgoes the main-line Open Sicilian (3.d4) and
instead immediately pins the c6-knight.
The specific branch covered here continues 3…g6 4.O-O Bg7 5.Re1 Nf6, a modern, fianchetto-based
development scheme for Black.
From this move order the game typically transposes to middlegames that blend elements of the
Closed Sicilian, the King’s Indian, and the English Opening.
Typical Move Order
The full five-move sequence with explanatory notes:
- 1. e4 c5 – Black chooses the Sicilian Defense, immediately attacking the d4-square from the flank.
- 2. Nf3 Nc6 – The Classical Sicilian, keeping options open for …d6 or …e6.
- 3. Bb5 – The Rossolimo Variation. White targets the c6-knight and controls the d5-square.
- 3…g6 – Instead of the more traditional 3…e6 or 3…d6, Black prepares a kingside fianchetto, echoing a Dragon-like structure.
- 4. O-O – White castles, keeping the bishop on b5 to maintain pressure.
- 4…Bg7 – Black completes the fianchetto, eyeing the long diagonal.
- 5. Re1 – White overprotects e4 and hints at a central pawn break with c3 & d4.
- 5…Nf6 – Black develops and attacks e4, encouraging 6.e5 or 6.c3.
Strategic Themes
- Bishop pair trade-offs. White often decides whether to exchange on c6, damaging Black’s pawn structure (bxc6) in exchange for conceding the bishop pair.
- Control of d5. By pinning the c6-knight, White limits Black’s key central break …d5. Black counters with …e5 or timely …d5 after …Nd7.
- Flexible pawn center. White can choose between:
- c3 & d4, opening the center.
- d3 & c3 (English-style), keeping the position closed and maneuvering.
- Dragon-Lite setup for Black. After …g6 and …Bg7, Black’s typical plans include …0-0, …d6, …e5, and rerouting the c6-knight.
- Minor-piece imbalances. If White keeps Bb5 and Black plays …a6, a capture on c6 may leave Black with doubled c-pawns but dynamic bishop pair.
Common Continuations
After 5…Nf6 the main branching points are:
- 6. e5 Ng4 7.Bxc6 dxc6 8.h3 Nh6 – A hand-to-hand fight where Black often expands with …f6.
- 6. c3 O-O 7.d4, transposing to an Open Sicilian structure with the Rossolimo-induced pawn weakness on c6.
- 6. Nc3 (waiting) and only later Bxc6 or d3-c3 setups.
Historical & Theoretical Significance
The Rossolimo is named after Russian-American GM Nicolas Rossolimo, who employed 3.Bb5 successfully in the 1940s and 50s. The fianchetto reply 3…g6 gained popularity in the 1990s when elite players such as Vishy Anand and Peter Svidler sought an alternative to the heavily analyzed 3…d6 lines. In modern computer-assisted preparation the line remains a reliable weapon for Black to sidestep deep Open Sicilian theory while keeping a rich, unbalanced game.
Illustrative Games
-
Anand – Topalov, Linares 1998
– Anand shows rapid central expansion with c3 & d4, winning in dynamic style. - Carlsen – Mamedyarov, Tata Steel 2021 – The World Champion refrains from Bxc6, plays d3-c3-h3, then wins a strategic squeeze.
- Rossolimo – Najdorf, Havana 1952 – The originator demonstrates the early Bb5 idea decades before computers.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Because the bishop often trades itself for the c6-knight, the Rossolimo was jokingly called “the dentist’s variation” by some Soviet players: it removes one of Black’s ‘teeth’ in the center.
- GM Magnus Carlsen used the 3…g6 line as Black against Levon Aronian (Wijk aan Zee 2012) and commented that it is “a Sicilian you can play in rapid without memorizing 30 moves.”
- The line has crossover appeal in Chess960; the structure …g6, …Bg7, …d6 is familiar even when the pieces start scrambled.
When to Choose This Line
Play the 3…g6 Rossolimo as Black if you:
- Enjoy Dragon-style kingside fianchetto positions without main-line Najdorf theory.
- Are comfortable defending a slightly cramped center while waiting for thematic breaks with …d5 or …b5.
- Seek an opening suitable for all time controls, from blitz to classical.