White avoids the main Open Sicilian lines by developing the bishop early.
1.e4 - Controls the center and opens lines for the bishop and queen. 1...c5 - The Sicilian Defense! Black fights for the d4 square asymmetrically. 2.Nf3 - White develops and prepares d4. The knight controls key central squares. 2...Nc6 - Black develops and supports the d4 square. 3.Bb5 - Rossolimo! White targets the knight, planning to damage Black's pawn structure.
White's plans: Exchange on c6 to damage pawns. Play c3 and d4. Castle kingside. Black's plans: Play ...g6 and ...Bg7. Or recapture with ...bxc6 and play ...d5.
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