Chessy
Sicilian Defence: Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack, Fianchetto Variation for Black
This line asks a very practical question: how should Black meet White’s bishop sortie without drifting into a passive game? After 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 g6, the position is already one where the engine gives White a small edge, so your goal is not to “equalise by force” but to make sound developing moves and steer the game into a playable middlegame. The drill below lets you practise the critical reply and the most common White continuations against it.
Play the Sicilian Defense: Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack, Fianchetto Variation against the engine
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Create a free account →What the position is really about
In this variation, White has aimed the bishop at c6 early, while Black has chosen a fianchetto setup with ...g6. That means your priorities are clear: complete development, keep your king safe, and avoid careless pawn moves that make White’s easy plan even easier. The position is sharp enough that move choice matters right away, but it is also a very practical one for Black because normal development still works well here.
The engine’s main reply
Stockfish rates this +0.36, a small edge for White. That means you are slightly worse here. The engine’s best move is O-O, and the continuation given is O-O Bg7 Bxc6 bxc6. This is a useful guide for your thinking: finish development first, then meet White’s ideas with calm piece play rather than grabbing at the centre too soon.
What White plays most often
This exact position has been reached 1,179,980 games in the Lichess database, so it is a very well-tested tabiya. White’s most-played continuations are Bxc6, O-O, c3, Nc3, d4, and d3. The important practical lesson is that you should expect White to choose a normal developing move or to simplify on c6, so your answers need to be solid against both direct pressure and quiet setup moves.
The one mistake to know
The listed mistake is d4, which is an inaccuracy and loses about 0.5 pawns; better was O-O. That does not mean d4 is always losing, but it does mean White can be punished for trying to force the centre too early in this position. As Black, you should be alert for the chance to answer active central play with accurate development and a safe king.
How to handle the most common continuations
Against Bxc6, be ready to think in terms of structure and piece activity, not panic about doubled pawns or simple exchanges. Against O-O, c3, Nc3, d3, and d4, your job is to keep developing cleanly and avoid giving White free initiative. The position is not about memorising a long forcing line; it is about choosing the most natural move when White tries to build pressure in different ways.
Results across 1,179,980 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| Bxc6 | 532,825 | 48.5% |
| O-O | 279,548 | 49.6% |
| c3 | 95,206 | 49.0% |
| Nc3 | 94,688 | 46.0% |
| d4 | 94,060 | 45.1% |
| d3 | 49,167 | 46.5% |
Frequently asked questions
What should Black aim for in this variation?
Your main goals are simple: finish development, keep the king safe, and avoid helping White build a free attack. The engine’s best move is O-O, which fits that plan well. This is a good opening to play if you like solid development and practical middlegame positions.
Is this variation good for Black?
The engine gives +0.36, which means White has a small edge. So you should not expect to be better here, but you are very much in a playable game. If you handle the position accurately, you can still reach a normal middlegame.
What is White most likely to play here?
The most-played continuations are Bxc6, O-O, c3, Nc3, d4, and d3. That tells you White often chooses a natural developing move or exchanges on c6. A good Black repertoire should be ready for both the exchange and quiet build-up.
What move should I remember first as Black?
Remember O-O first. It is the engine’s best move, and the continuation given is O-O Bg7 Bxc6 bxc6. If you can make this a habit, you will be much less likely to drift into trouble.
How many games feature the Sicilian Defense: Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack, Fianchetto Variation?
Over 1 million Lichess games have reached the Sicilian Defense: Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack, Fianchetto Variation position. White wins 48.1%, Black wins 47.9%, with 4.0% draws — based on real rated games.