Sicilian Defense: Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack, Fianchetto Variation, Gufeld Gambit (B31)

The Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack, Fianchetto Variation, Gufeld Gambit is a variation of the Sicilian Defense, catalogued as ECO B31. The line runs 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 g6 4. O-O Bg7 5. c3 e5 6. d4, reaching the position shown below after 11 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4 and e4, Black on e5), and two pawn captures are available, so the structure is still fluid. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move after six moves. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted.

On the Sicilian Defense generally: The most popular and aggressive response to 1.e4. Black fights for the center asymmetrically, leading to rich tactical play.

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Sicilian Defense: Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack, Fianchetto Variation, Gufeld Gambit — position after d4 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 g6 4. O-O Bg7 5. c3 e5 6. d4

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4c5
2Nf3Nc6
3Bb5g6
4O-OBg7
5c3e5
6d4

ECO: B31

Stockfish: +0.44 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Sicilian Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack, Fianchetto Variation, Gufeld Gambit?

The Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack, Fianchetto Variation, Gufeld Gambit goes 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 g6 4. O-O Bg7 5. c3 e5 6. d4. It is a variation of the Sicilian Defense and is catalogued as ECO B31.

What is the ECO code for the Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack, Fianchetto Variation, Gufeld Gambit?

The Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack, Fianchetto Variation, Gufeld Gambit is ECO B31. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Sicilian Defense.

Is the Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack, Fianchetto Variation, Gufeld Gambit good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 g6 4. O-O Bg7 5. c3 e5 6. d4 at +0.44 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for White, within normal opening margins. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.

What kind of position does the Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack, Fianchetto Variation, Gufeld Gambit lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4 and e4, Black on e5), and two pawn captures are available, so the structure is still fluid. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted.