How to Face the Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack as Black

Every now and then I get DMs asking about specific openings. Recently someone asked me how to handle the Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack (1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5) as Black — not exactly my usual territory since I’m more of a Najdorf player (2...d6 and go!), but I decided to dig in and see what could be found.
After some research and testing, my recommendation is 3...e5!.

The idea behind 3...e5

At first sight it looks a bit strange — weakening the d5-square so early — but it actually fits perfectly with several classic Sicilian concepts. Our plan is simple: develop with Bd6, chase the light-squared bishop with a6 and b5, then bring the knight to e7 or f6 (depending on whether f7-square needs protection), castle, and enjoy a solid yet flexible setup.
If you’ve ever faced the Alapin (2.c3) you know that the move ...e5 can absolutely also work there. It grabs central space and defines the structure before White can. The same logic applies here.
I compared this idea to the more standard moves 3...g6, 3...d6, and 3...e6, but in each of those White often gets either a pleasant Ruy-Lopez-style position (castling, Re1, and c3 + d4) or damages Black’s pawn structure after Bxc6. With ...e5 we sidestep both plans and immediately take the initiative in the centre.

Let's Get to Business

A practical example

Here’s a real blitz game on a 2800-level from Lichess that perfectly shows this setup in action:

As you can see, Black followed the ...e5 + Bd6 plan, equalized comfortably, and soon launched counterplay on the dark squares. Despite facing a grandmaster, the untitled Black player dominated completely and converted without trouble — nice to see that this system holds up even at 2800-level speed chess.

Why I like this system

It might not be the most “bookish” line, but it seems practical, logical, and relatively easy to remember. You’ll often reach solid positions without needing to memorize endless theory, and you’ll understand why each move is played — which matters more in rapid and classical time controls.

Feel free to comment below if you’d like me to cover any specific opening themes in future posts (for example, “how to play against c3 + d4 plans in the Moscow” — but please, not “the entire Najdorf”).
Hope this analysis helps you next time someone tries to hit you with the Rossolimo!
— Lizard1