Sicilian, Rossolimo Variation: with e6, Nge7 (B30)

The with e6, Nge7 is a variation of the Sicilian, Rossolimo Variation, catalogued as ECO B30. The line runs 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 e6 4. O-O Nge7 5. Re1, reaching the position shown below after 9 half-moves.

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

On the Sicilian, Rossolimo Variation generally: An Anti-Sicilian where White plays 3.Bb5, pinning the knight and avoiding the heavily theoretical Open Sicilian. Popular at all levels.

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Sicilian, Rossolimo Variation: with e6, Nge7 — position after Re1 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 e6 4. O-O Nge7 5. Re1

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4c5
2Nf3Nc6
3Bb5e6
4O-ONge7
5Re1

ECO: B30

Stockfish: +0.28 at depth 18

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Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the with e6, Nge7?

The with e6, Nge7 goes 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 e6 4. O-O Nge7 5. Re1. It is a variation of the Sicilian, Rossolimo Variation and is catalogued as ECO B30.

What is the ECO code for the with e6, Nge7?

The with e6, Nge7 is ECO B30. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Sicilian, Rossolimo Variation.

Is the with e6, Nge7 good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 e6 4. O-O Nge7 5. Re1 at +0.28 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 with e6, Nge7 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.