B34

Sicilian Defense: Accelerated Dragon, Modern Variation

Key moves: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5

The Rossolimo Variation (3.Bb5 against 2...Nc6) is a sophisticated Anti-Sicilian where White avoids the Open Sicilian in favour of a positional approach. White aims to double Black's pawns and establish a solid position.

History & Notable Players

Named after GM Nicolas Rossolimo, this line became extremely popular in the 21st century as a practical alternative to the Open Sicilian.

Best Games

Nakamura,Hi vs Shirov,A1/2-1/2
5th Zurich Opening Blitz • 2016★ Notable
Ruan Lufei vs Hou Yifan1/2-1/2
WCh Women Playoff • 2010★ Notable
Macieja, Bartlomiej vs Ponomariov, Ruslan1-0
Wch U20 • 1997★ Notable
Leko, Peter vs Dovramadjiev, Tihomir1-0
Wch U12 • 1991★ Notable
Smyslov, Vassily vs Botvinnik, Mikhail1/2-1/2
World Championship 22th • 1958★ Notable
Janowsky, Dawid Markelowicz vs Lasker, Emanuel0-1
World Championship 9th • 1909★ Notable
Caruana,F vs Giri,A0-1
Bullet Chess Losers 2024 • 2024
Caruana,F vs Giri,A0-1
Bullet Chess Losers 2024 • 2024
Carlsen,M vs Firouzja,Alireza1-0
Magnus-Alireza 27th Feb • 2021
Anton Guijarro,D vs Carlsen,M1/2-1/2
83rd Tata Steel Masters • 2021
Nakamura,Hi vs Duda,J1-0
World Rapid 2019 • 2019
Onischuk,V vs Khalifman,A0-1
Tal Memorial Rapid 2019 • 2019
Jobava,Ba vs Vachier Lagrave,M1/2-1/2
77th Tata Steel GpA • 2015
Aronian,L vs Radjabov,T0-1
Norway Supreme Masters Blitz 2013 • 2013
Njili,K vs So,W0-1
38th Olympiad • 2008
Kasparov,G vs Ivanchuk,V1/2-1/2
Eurotel Trophy • 2002
Shirov, Alexei vs Ljubojevic, Ljubomir1/2-1/2
Buenos Aires Sicilian • 1994
Ivanchuk, Vassily vs Christiansen, Larry Mark1/2-1/2
Amber-rapid 2nd • 1993
Short, Nigel D vs Christiansen, Larry Mark0-1
Amber-rapid 2nd • 1993
Tal, Mihail vs Benko, Pal C1-0
Portoroz Interzonal • 1958

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