Sicilian Defense: Rossolimo Attack
ECO B31intermediate
The Rossolimo, 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5, is the anti-Sicilian that even world champions respect — Carlsen and Caruana have made it a main weapon. Rather than entering Open Sicilian complexity, White threatens to double Black's c-pawns with Bxc6 and builds a lead in development. The resulting structures (after ...g6, ...e6 or ...d6 setups) are strategically rich: White plays against the doubled pawns or for a central e5 clamp, while Black banks on the bishop pair.
Main line
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 g6 4.O-O Bg7 5.Re1 Nf6 6.e5 Nd5 7.Nc3 Nc7
Diagram shows the position after 6 half-moves of the main line. On SpeakChess you can drill this line move by move — the trainer plays the other side and corrects you instantly, then spaced repetition schedules each variation so you review it right before you would forget it.
Win rates by rating
Results from real online games, measured after the line shown in each row. Most opening sites show one aggregate number — how an opening scores depends heavily on who is playing it.
| Rating | Games | White wins | Draws | Black wins | Position after |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 400-600 | 28 | 39.3% | 3.6% | 57.1% | 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 |
| 600-800 | 157 | 48.4% | 4.5% | 47.1% | 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 |
| 800-1000 | 47 | 40.4% | 2.1% | 57.4% | 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 g6 4.O-O Bg7 |
| 1000-1200 | 47 | 44.7% | 4.3% | 51.1% | 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 g6 4.O-O Bg7 5.Re1 |
| 1200-1400 | 27 | 40.7% | 0% | 59.3% | 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 g6 4.O-O Bg7 5.Re1 Nf6 |
Most played continuations (600-800 rating)
After 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5:
- a6 — played 25.5% of the time (White wins 52.5%, draws 5%, Black wins 42.5%)
- g6 — played 14% of the time (White wins 59.1%, draws 4.5%, Black wins 36.4%)
- Nf6 — played 10.8% of the time (White wins 58.8%, draws 0%, Black wins 41.2%)
Related openings
Frequently asked questions
Why do top players prefer the Rossolimo over the Open Sicilian?
It denies Black the dynamic counterplay the Sicilian is famous for. The positions are more controllable, preparation matters less deep into the game, and the structural edge after Bxc6 persists into the endgame — a practical recipe at every level.
How should Black respond to 3.Bb5?
The main choices are 3...g6 (the most popular, accepting doubled pawns after Bxc6 for the bishop pair and the g7 bishop), 3...e6 preparing ...Nge7 to recapture with a piece, and 3...d6 keeping Najdorf-like options. Each leads to distinct middlegame plans worth knowing before you choose.
Learn the Sicilian Defense: Rossolimo Attack for free
Interactive move-by-move training, ELO-calibrated sparring bots that actually play these lines, and spaced-repetition reviews. No installs, free to start.