Sicilian: 3.Bb5+ Bd7 4.Bxd7+ Qxd7 5.O-O Nc6

Before the first move

The Moscow Variation is a solid alternative to the main-line Open Sicilian. Instead of early tactical fireworks, White seeks a controlled, strategic game by trading off the light-squared bishop. Black gains the bishop pair but must navigate a slightly cramped position where White maintains a spatial edge in the center.

1. e4White · your move

Push your pawn to e4. This classic opening move claims the center and opens diagonals for your queen and light-squared bishop, setting the stage for an active game.

1... c5Black

Black replies c5, the Sicilian Defense. This is a sharp choice that avoids the symmetry of 1...e5. White usually plays the main line with 2.Nf3, though the Amazon Attack with 2.Qg4 or the Bowdler Attack with 2.Bc4 are rare alternatives.

Other paths here: f6 (Barnes Defense) · g5 (Borg Defense) · h6 (Carr Defense) · f5 (Duras Gambit)

2. Nf3White · your move

Develop your knight to f3. This is the most flexible developing move, preparing to challenge the center with d4 while keeping Black guessing about your specific setup.

Other paths here: Qg4 (Sicilian Defense: Amazon Attack) · Bc4 (Sicilian Defense: Bowdler Attack) · Nh3 (Sicilian Defense: Brick Variation) · g4 (Sicilian Defense: Grob Variation)

2... d6Black

Black plays d6, a move that limits White's e5-push and prepares development. While this often leads to the Open Sicilian, it also allows White to try the Moscow Variation or the Rossolimo if Black had played 2...Nc6.

Other paths here: f5 (Sicilian Defense: Brussels Gambit) · h6 (Sicilian Defense: Bücker Variation) · g6 (Sicilian Defense: Hyperaccelerated Dragon) · e5 (Sicilian Defense: Jalalabad Variation)

3. Bb5+White · your move

Bring your bishop to b5 to deliver a check. This is the Moscow Variation. You are looking to trade off your bishop for Black's, simplifying the position and slowing down Black's typical Sicilian aggression.

Other paths here: d4 (Sicilian Defense) · c3 (Sicilian Defense: Delayed Alapin Variation, with d6) · Bd3 (Sicilian Defense: Kopec System) · b4 (Sicilian Defense: Wing Gambit, Deferred Variation)

3... Bd7Black

Black replies Bd7, challenging the bishop immediately. Other popular ways to block the check include 3...Nc6 or 3...Nd7, both of which lead to more complex maneuvering games where the bishops often stay on the board longer.

Other paths here: Nc6 (Sicilian: Moscow 3...Nc6) · Nd7 (Sicilian: Moscow 3...Nd7)

4. Bxd7+White · your move

Capture the bishop on d7. By trading now, you remove Black's light-squared bishop and simplify the pawn structure, aiming for a game where your superior central control will be easier to manage.

4... Qxd7Black

Black replies Qxd7, maintaining a flexible setup. While 4...Nxd7 is a perfectly valid alternative that keeps the queen on its original square, the queen recapture is the main line, preparing to develop the remaining knight to c6.

Other paths here: Nxd7 (Sicilian: Moscow 3...Bd7 4.Bxd7+ Nxd7)

5. O-OWhite · your move

Castle your king to the kingside. Safety first! This also brings your rook toward the center, where it can support your future pawn advances like c3 and d4.

Other paths here: c4 (Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation, Sokolsky Variation)

5... Nc6Black

Black plays Nc6, a standard developing move that eyes the center. The opening phase is nearly over, and both sides will now focus on the d4 break. Black's queen on d7 is well-placed to support central action.

Where you stand

The position is strategically balanced. White will typically play c3 and d4 to establish a strong center, while Black aims to pressure that center and utilize the semi-open c-file. White should watch for Black's queenside expansion, and Black must be careful not to let White's central space advantage become overwhelming in the middlegame.

• c2-d4 Support d4 with c3 to control the center
• c6-d4 Pressure the d4 square with the knight
• f1-e1 Place the rook on e1 to support e4
• g8-f6 Develop the kingside knight to f6