Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bb5+ Nc6 · B51–B52
Part of Sicilian Defense
Starting positionWhite to move
0 / 14
A check selects the structure
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The idea
White checks on b5 before committing to d4, forcing Black to block and then retreating the bishop to play a closed, positional game.
Main line: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bb5+ Nc6 4.O-O Bd7 5.Re1 Nf6 6.c3 a6 7.Bf1 e5
What White wants
- Give the check, retreat the bishop to f1 and build with c3 and d4
- Keep the position closed and avoid Black's prepared Sicilian theory
- Play on the kingside once the centre is fixed
What Black wants
- Block with ...Nc6 or ...Bd7 and develop quickly
- Play ...a6, ...e5 or ...b5 to gain space
- Trade the Spanish bishop if it ever comes back out
Key idea
Understand this and the moves stop needing to be memorised.
A check selects the structure
Bb5+ asks Black to choose an interposition such as ...Bd7, ...Nd7 or ...Nc6. White can exchange bishops or retreat and prepare c3 and d4. The check avoids some Open Sicilian lines, but retreating the bishop still costs tempi and does not force an advantage.
Common mistake
Giving the check and then moving the bishop repeatedly without a central plan. After the retreat, White should prepare d4 and complete development; the check is a way to choose the structure, not a reason to stop improving the other pieces.
Representative position
The position this opening is aiming at. Copy the FEN, or open it in the analysis board and let the engine tell you what it is worth.
r2qkb1r/1p1b1ppp/p1np1n2/2p1p3/4P3/2P2N2/PP1P1PPP/RNBQRBK1 w kq - 0 8
Analyze this position