Rossolimo Attack
An aggressive anti-Sicilian system where White immediately puts pressure on Black's knight and aims to disrupt Black's setup. Named after Nicolas Rossolimo, this system leads to rich middlegame positions with clear strategic plans.
ECO Code
B30-B31
Difficulty
Intermediate
Style
Positional/Attacking
Key Players
Adams, Shirov, Rapport
Main Variations
3...g6 - Fianchetto Defense
Black accepts doubled pawns but gets the bishop pair and good central control. Sharp and double-edged.
3...d6 - Solid Setup
A flexible approach where Black maintains the knight and prepares various setups based on White's plan.
3...Nd4 - Central Challenge
Black immediately challenges the center, leading to unbalanced positions with tactical possibilities.
3...e6 - French Structure
Black adopts a French-like structure, aiming for solid development and central play.
Key Strategic Ideas
- Disrupting Black's development: The early Bb5 forces Black to make decisions
- Doubled pawn structures: After Bxc6, Black gets activity for the pawn weakness
- Bishop pair advantage: Black often gets compensation through the two bishops
- Central control: Both sides fight for key central squares like d4 and e5
- King safety first: White typically castles early and maintains solid development
White's Typical Plan
White aims for central control and piece activity, often targeting Black's doubled pawns.
Black's Compensation
Black activates the bishops and seeks counterplay in the center and on the kingside.
Critical Knowledge
The doubled c-pawns: While appearing weak, Black's doubled pawns often control key central squares and support piece activity.
Timing of e5: White must choose the right moment for the e5 advance - too early and Black gets excellent counterplay, too late and Black consolidates.
Typical Pawn Structures
Doubled c-pawns
After Bxc6 dxc6, Black gets dynamic piece play and central control in exchange for the doubled pawns.
Central tension
Positions often feature central pawn tension with moves like d4, e5, and corresponding Black responses.
Kingside pawn storms
Both sides can create attacking chances with pawn advances on the kingside, especially f4-f5 or h4-h5.
Why Play the Rossolimo Attack?
The Rossolimo is an excellent choice for players who want to avoid the main line Sicilian theory while still playing for an advantage. It leads to rich middlegame positions where understanding typical plans matters more than memorizing long variations. White gets clear strategic goals and good practical chances.
Tactical Themes
Central Breaks
The moves d4, e5, and f4-f5 are common tactical motifs that create attacking chances and open lines.
Bishop Pair Power
When Black gets the bishop pair, look for tactical shots that exploit the long-range pieces.
Weak Square Control
The doubled pawns can create weak squares that knights and bishops can exploit effectively.
King Hunt
In sharp variations, both sides can launch attacks against the enemy king, especially with opposite-side castling.
Famous Games & Players
Historical Development
Named after French master Nicolas Rossolimo, this system gained popularity through players like Mickey Adams and Alexei Shirov. Modern practitioners include Richard Rapport and Hikaru Nakamura, who have shown the system's continued relevance at the highest level.
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Master the Rossolimo Attack
A principled anti-Sicilian system that combines strategic depth with tactical richness - perfect for players seeking clear plans against the Sicilian.
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