Rossolimo 3.Bb5 vs 2...Nc6 is variation 5 of 6 in the Anti-Sicilians for White course, a intermediate opening course for White (ECO B31). It runs 20 moves and begins 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 g6 4. Bxc6 dxc6 …. Against 2...Nc6, White plays 3.Bb5 and after 3...g6 gives up the bishop on c6 to double Black's pawns. White then sets up d3, h3, Nc3, Be3 and Qd2, and tries to trade off the Dragon bishop with Bh6. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. e4 – Takes the centre.
1... c5 – The Sicilian.
2. Nf3 – Develops and prepares Bb5 or d4.
2... Nc6 – Develops and controls d4.
3. Bb5 – The Rossolimo: the bishop pins nothing yet, but it threatens to take on c6 and damage Black's pawns.
3... g6 – Black fianchettoes, the main reply.
4. Bxc6 – White gives up the bishop to double Black's pawns and slow down ...d5.
4... dxc6 – Black recaptures toward the centre-file, opening the d-file and the c8 bishop.
5. d3 – Solid: the pawn supports e4 and opens the c1 bishop.
5... Bg7 – Completes the fianchetto.
6. h3 – Stops ...Bg4, which would trade off White's f3 knight.
6... Nf6 – Develops and prepares to castle.
7. Nc3 – Develops and supports e4.
7... O-O – Black castles.
8. Be3 – Develops and prepares Qd2 and Bh6.
8... b6 – Protects c5, which the e3 bishop was hitting.
The lesson goes on for 4 more moves, each with its explanation.
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