1.e4 — the open games
Rossolimo Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5ECO B30–B31
White pins and eyes the c6-knight with 3.Bb5, aiming to damage Black's structure with Bxc6 and play a strategic game — again sidestepping Open Sicilian theory. Extremely popular at every level for its low risk and clear ideas.
Key ideas
- Bxc6 doubles Black's pawns; White then plays against the structure on the light squares.
- If Black recaptures …dxc6, White aims for e5 and a knight to the strong d4/e4 squares.
- It's positional chess — understanding the pawn structures matters more than sharp memorisation.
Who it suits
Players who want a solid, strategic anti-Sicilian with lasting structural pressure.
Add it to your repertoire.
Drill the Rossolimo Sicilian move by move against the board until it's second nature.
Open the trainer