Sicilian: Moscow 3...Bd7 4.Bxd7+ Nxd7

Before the first move

The Moscow Variation of the Sicilian Defense is a solid, strategic alternative to the main lines. By checking the king on b5, White aims to trade off light-squared bishops and simplify the game into a positional battle rather than a tactical race. Black seeks to use the extra space on the queenside to create counterplay.

1. e4White · your move

Push your pawn to e4. This classic opening move claims the center and opens diagonal paths for your queen and light-squared bishop. You are setting the stage for an active game where you control the pace from the very first move.

1... c5Black

Black replies with c5, the Sicilian Defense. This is the most ambitious response to e4, leading to complex and sharp positions. While White often plays for a direct attack, Black relies on the structural advantage of having more central pawns in the endgame.

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 way to continue, preparing the d4 push while also eyeing the center. It keeps your options open and develops a piece toward its most natural square in the opening.

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 chooses d6, a very common continuation. This often leads to the Najdorf or Dragon variations if White plays d4. Other popular choices here include Nc6, which often leads to the Rossolimo, or e6, which characterizes the Taimanov or Kan systems.

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

Slide your bishop to b5 and deliver a check. This is the Moscow Variation. Instead of the usual d4, you are challenging Black immediately and forcing them to block the check, which often leads to a more controlled, positional game.

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 with Bd7, the most solid response. By offering a trade, Black hopes to reduce White's attacking potential. Other options like Nc6 or Nd7 lead to very different types of games where the pieces remain on the board and the tension stays high.

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 off these pieces, you simplify the position and remove Black's active light-squared bishop. This trade often leaves White with a slight lead in development and a very clear plan for the middlegame.

4... Nxd7Black

Black recaptures with the knight, which is the most common choice in this specific line. This keeps the queen on d8 to guard the d-pawn. Recapturing with the queen is the main alternative, which would lead to a faster development of the rooks.

Other paths here: Qxd7 (Sicilian: Moscow 3...Bd7 4.Bxd7+ Qxd7)

Where you stand

The position is roughly equal but full of strategic depth. White will likely castle and look to control the center with c3 and d4, or perhaps play a slower game with d3. Black should focus on finishing development with Nf6 and g6, then look for counterplay on the queenside using the semi-open c-file and the eventual b5 pawn thrust.

• e1-g1 Castle kingside to secure the king
• b1-c3 Develop the knight to control d5
• g8-f6 Develop the knight to pressure e4
• d7-c5 Maneuver the knight to an active square
• c2-c3 Prepare d4 to challenge the center