B30 Sicilian Defence: Rossolimo

ECO code B30 covers the Sicilian Defence after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6, most often met by the Rossolimo Variation, 3.Bb5. Instead of opening the centre with d4, White develops the bishop to pin or exchange the c6-knight, aiming to castle quickly and play against Black's structure. The exchange 4.Bxc6 doubles Black's c-pawns, and after 5.d3 White keeps the centre closed so the bishop pair matters less. Black chooses a setup on move three: 3...e6 followed by ...Nge7 to recapture on c6 with a piece, 3...d6 accepting bxc6 for central pawns, or 3...Nf6 hitting e4 at once.