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

The Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack, Fianchetto Variation, Totsky Attack 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 Nf6 6. Qa4, reaching the position shown below after 11 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on e4. 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, Totsky Attack — position after Qa4 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 g6 4. O-O Bg7 5. c3 Nf6 6. Qa4

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4c5
2Nf3Nc6
3Bb5g6
4O-OBg7
5c3Nf6
6Qa4

ECO: B31

Stockfish: -0.13 at depth 18

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Frequently asked questions

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

The Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack, Fianchetto Variation, Totsky Attack goes 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 g6 4. O-O Bg7 5. c3 Nf6 6. Qa4. 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, Totsky Attack?

The Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack, Fianchetto Variation, Totsky Attack 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, Totsky Attack good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 g6 4. O-O Bg7 5. c3 Nf6 6. Qa4 at -0.13 at depth 18, which is balanced. 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, Totsky Attack lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on e4. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted.