ECO B51 · for White
Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation
The line below is what Lichess 1600-1800 players actually play: after the opening's defining moves, each move is the most common choice at that point. The notes are Chessbook's move notes, the same ones shown while building a repertoire.
1,251,217 games in this band reached the Moscow Variation position. From there White won 48% and drew 5%.
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. Bb5+ Bd7 4. Bxd7+ Nxd7 5. O-O Ngf6 6. Re1 g6 7. c3 Bg7 8. d4 cxd4
Moves 1 to 2
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6
1. e4
"Best by test" according to Bobby Fisher.
1... c5
A counter-attacking opening. The asymmetry generally leads to sharp games.
2. Nf3
2... d6
Preventing white from playing e5 so that the knight can be developed to f6.
Moves 3 to 4
3. Bb5+ Bd7 4. Bxd7+ Nxd7
3. Bb5+
Playing Bb5+ is the Rossolimo Variation, aiming to disrupt black's pawn structure after the exchange on d7. This move also prepares for a quick castling.
3... Bd7
Blocking the check with the bishop allowing white to exchange or play a move like a4 to support the bishop.
- 3... Nc6: Developing the knight and blocking the check at the same time. White has the option of trading on c6 and doubling Black's pawns but Black would be fine.
- 3... Nd7: Blocking the check with the knight not allowing white to exchange pieces like after Bd7.
4. Bxd7+
Capturing the bishop allowing white to castle kingside very quickly and expand in the center with c3 and d4.
4... Nxd7
Recapturing on d7 with the knight and aiming for quick development to fight white's slight positional advantage.
- 4... Qxd7: Recapturing with the queen because the knight is better placed on c6 than on d7.
Moves 5 to 6
5. O-O Ngf6 6. Re1 g6
5. O-O
Castling quickly and aiming to utilize the development advantage.
5... Ngf6
Developing the knight and attacking the e4 pawn.
6. Re1
Activating the rook and defending the hanging e4 pawn.
6... g6
- 6... e6: Fighting for space in the center and opening up the e7 square for the dark-squared bishop to develop to.
Moves 7 to 8
7. c3 Bg7 8. d4 cxd4
7. c3
7... Bg7
8. d4
8... cxd4
Plans for White in this position
What White usually does from here in Chessbook's games data. Hover a move to see it on the board.
- The pawn on c3 typically captures the pawn on d4
- The pawn on d4 generally recaptures the pawn on e5
- The queenside knight usually develops to c3
- The dark-squared bishop often develops to g5
- The queen typically develops to b3
- Common pawn moves are e5 and h3
Related opening guides
- Sicilian Defense for Black
- Italian Game for White
- Queen's Gambit for White
- English Opening for White
- Bishop's Opening for White
- Zukertort Opening for White