Mikhail Tal's great use of the Rossolimo system avoiding main line open Sicilian

Hi all

For those looking for a less theoretical approach to handling the Sicilian defence, the move Bb5 can come in very handy.

Video based on analysis in Study

https://youtu.be/iHd4-bQDhas

Rossolimo System aka Nimzovich-Rossolimo Attack

In this game, Tal plays an early Bb5 - known often as the Rossolimo System

Tal volunteers the light square bishop

Tal volunteers to increase black's majority in the center

Is there method in the madness?

Black's piece development is disrupted with Qg4

A concession from Black but surely the light squares are okay with black having the light square bishop?

Black is manually castling

Maroczy bind set up

The dreaded "Maroczy bind" is set up. White not having a light square bishop means there is no piece which is incompatible with this structure. A light square bishop would have been a bit hemmed in by those pawns.

Tactical threat of Nf6 check

A rook infiltration

Wow! Leaving the rook on d1 to be taken

There is now a forced mate in 5!

A stunning tactical point

Final position

Key takeaway points

• The Maroczy bind structure can be headed towards after getting rid of the light-squared bishop to create the maximum piece and pawn structure harmony
• When there is a rook on the 7th, the potential for magical looking tactical resources increase
• Behind the scenes after Nf6, White has ideas of Qh4 and if h6 Qxh6+ with the mating pattern of Rxh7 mate when Knight is on f6
• The variations behind the scenes of a Tal game are another huge source of entertainment and insight

Want to go further? Explore all my online chess courses at https://www.chessworld.net/online-chess-courses.asp – learn openings, tactics, strategy, and more.

Cheers, K