Chess opening · ECO B30

Sicilian Defense: Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack

The Sicilian Defense: Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack starts 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5. It ranks #101 of the 174 openings on this site by how often rated players on Lichess reach it.

The position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5. Black to move.

Move by move

  1. 1. e4White pushes the e-pawn two squares to e4, staking a claim in the center.
  2. 1... c5Black pushes the c-pawn two squares to c5.
  3. 2. Nf3White develops the kingside knight to f3.
  4. 2... Nc6Black develops the queenside knight to c6.
  5. 3. Bb5White develops the light-squared bishop to b5. It now attacks the knight on c6.

What players choose next, by rating

The three most common Black moves from this position in rated Lichess games, grouped by the rating of the player making the move. Among players rated 1200–1399, the most popular next move is a6; among players rated 2000 and up, it is g6.

RatingMost commonSecondThird
1200–1399a6 24%d6 17%e6 15%
1400–1599d6 20%a6 19%e6 17%
1600–1799d6 19%a6 19%e6 19%
1800–1999e6 24%d6 19%g6 15%
2000 and upg6 37%e6 22%d6 12%

Practice it against a human-like opponent.

BeaconChess opponents open from these same books, then play human-like moves for their level while the coach explains your moves in plain English. The first coached game is free.

Play a free coached game →

Played this opening recently?

Paste the game into the free analyzer to find the moves that cost you, with each mistake explained. Three analyses are free, with no email or card.

Analyze a game free →