Rossolimo: 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 is variation 5 of 6 in the Anti-Sicilians for Black course, a intermediate opening course for Black (ECO B31). It runs 20 moves and begins 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 g6 4. O-O Bg7 …. White pins the c6 knight with the bishop. Black answers with the fianchetto and castles quickly. When White takes the centre, Black hits back with the d-pawn. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. e4 – White takes the centre.
1... c5 – The Sicilian.
2. Nf3 – White develops and prepares d4.
2... Nc6 – Black develops and watches d4.
3. Bb5 – The Rossolimo. White pins the knight and may take it to spoil Black's pawns.
3... g6 – Black prepares the bishop on g7. If White takes on c6, Black gets the two bishops.
4. O-O – White castles first.
4... Bg7 – The bishop takes the long diagonal.
5. c3 – White prepares d4 with a pawn.
5... Nf6 – Black develops and attacks e4.
6. Re1 – The rook defends e4.
6... O-O – Black castles and the king is safe.
7. d4 – White finally takes the centre.
7... cxd4 – Black trades on d4.
8. cxd4 – White takes back with a pawn.
8... d5 – Black hits back in the centre at once.
The lesson goes on for 4 more moves, each with its explanation.
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