Chess Openings Lab
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Sicilian Defense: Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack

The Rossolimo Attack is 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5, pinning the c6 knight and avoiding the Open Sicilian. White aims to trade on c6 to double Black's pawns and build a center with c3 and d4, while Black chooses ...e6, ...Nf6 or ...g6 for different setups.

Moves
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5
ECO
B30
Engine
+0.16 · level (Stockfish 17.1, depth 20)
Played
12,331 games in our lichess sample
White scores
52.2%

Key ideas for both sides

White

  • Castle and play c3 with d4 to build a broad pawn center.
  • Trade on c6 to double Black's pawns and target them later.
  • Use Re1 and e5 to gain space against Black's kingside.
  • Against ...Nf6, Nc3 and Re1 keep pressure on e5 and d4.

Black

  • 3...e6 with ...Nge7 and ...d5 builds a compact center.
  • 3...g6 with ...Bg7 targets d4 and b2, often accepting doubled pawns.
  • 3...Nf6 with ...Qc7 and ...Nd4 fights for central squares.
  • Use the bishop pair after Bxc6 to open the position.

Plans and pawn structure

White's Bb5 aims to trade on c6, giving Black doubled pawns. White then builds a center with c3 and d4 or keeps it closed with d3 and e5. Black uses the bishop pair and central pawns to fight back, with ...d5 or ...e5 breaks. In the fianchetto lines, Black's bishop on g7 pressures the long diagonal, while White targets the c-pawns. The middlegame often revolves around the bishop pair against White's better structure.

What the engine plays from here

Stockfish 17.1 at depth 20 rates the position +0.16: level. Its three top choices for Black:

  1. +0.16 3...e6 4.O-O Nge7 5.c3 d5 6.exd5
  2. +0.28 3...Nf6 4.Nc3 Qc7 5.O-O Nd4 6.Re1
  3. +0.28 3...g6 4.O-O Bg7 5.Bxc6 bxc6 6.Re1

Pawns, from White's side.

How it scores on lichess

12,331 rated lichess games reached this position; White scored 52.2%.

under 120053.1%
1200–159950.8%
1600–199951.8%
2000 and up53.9%

Light: White wins. Grey: draws. Dark: Black wins. About the sample.

Where it goes next

  • Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack, Fianchetto Variation3...g6 · 2,749 games
  • Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack, Brooklyn Retreat Defense3...Nb8 · rare
  • Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack, San Francisco Gambit3...Na5 · rare
  • Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack, Gurgenidze Variation3...g6 · rare

How to play against it

As Black, play 3...e6 or 3...g6 and develop quickly. Do not fear doubled pawns; the bishop pair compensates. Avoid passive moves that let White build a big center with c3 and d4.

Questions

What are the moves of the Sicilian Defense: Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack?

The Sicilian Defense: Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack starts 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5. Its ECO code is B30.

Is the Sicilian Defense: Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack good for White?

Stockfish 17.1 rates the position +0.16 at depth 20, which is level. In 12,331 lichess games from our sample, White scored 52.2%. A practical choice for White players who want a solid game with long-term pressure, while Black needs active piece play.

What is the main idea of the Sicilian Defense: Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack?

White pins the c6 knight with Bb5 and often trades it to double Black's pawns. Black uses the bishop pair and central play to fight back.

What should Black play next?

The engine's first choice is e6, with Nf6 and g6 close behind. 3...e6 prepares ...Nge7 and ...d5, building a solid center.

Updated October 2026. Sources and method.