Sicilian Defense, Rossolimo Variation

The Rossolimo begins with 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5. In algebraic notation, B stands for bishop. White develops a piece and pressures the c6-knight without immediately entering the Open Sicilian lines that can lead to the Sveshnikov.

The bishop may capture the knight with Bxc6. If Black recaptures with a pawn, doubled pawns appear, meaning two black pawns on the same file. That exchange is not automatically favorable for White because giving up a bishop also surrenders a long-range piece. Black keeps the bishop pair, both bishops, and may obtain useful open lines depending on which pawn recaptures.

Bb5 pressures c6, but Bxc6 involves a real tradeoff

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StartBb5g6Bxc6dxc6

3.Bb5 selects the Rossolimo: it develops the bishop, pressures the c6-knight, and postpones the central d4 advance.

White can open the center or pose the Rossolimo

Black's knight is already on c6, so Bb5 creates an immediate relationship between a developed piece and the future structure.

1. 3.Bb5 selects the Rossolimo: it develops the bishop, pressures the c6-knight, and postpones the central d4 advance.
2. 3.d4 is the alternative that enters the Open Sicilian immediately. The Rossolimo saves that advance for later or may avoid it.

White often secures the king early through castling, the special move involving the king and a rook. White then chooses between d3, which keeps the center contained, and c3 followed by d4, which opens it later under better conditions. Black can answer with ...g6, ...e6, or ...d6, each producing a different structure. The opening is strategic, but an early exchange on c6 can create real imbalance.

Unlike the Closed Sicilian, the Rossolimo starts with Nf3 and develops the bishop to b5 quickly. Its main purpose is not a slow f4 attack, but pressure on Black's knight and pawn structure.