Sicilian: Moscow 3...Bd7 4.Bxd7+ Nxd7 5.O-O Ngf6

Before the first move

The Moscow Variation is a solid, strategic alternative to the sharp Open Sicilian. By checking the king on b5, White seeks to trade off bishops and reach a more controlled, positional battle where structural knowledge matters more than memorizing long tactical lines. Both sides fight for central control with a focus on piece coordination.

1. e4White · your move

Push your pawn to e4. This classic opening move claims a stake in the center and opens diagonals for your queen and light-squared bishop. It is the most popular way to start the game, leading to open positions where active piece play is rewarded.

1... c5Black

Black replies with c5, the Sicilian Defense. This is a highly respected and sharp counter-attack. While White usually plays the Open Sicilian with Nf3 and d4, other systems like the Alapin with c3 or the Closed Sicilian with Nc3 and g3 are also very popular.

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 move prepares the central d4 thrust and controls the e5 and d4 squares. It is the most flexible development, keeping your options open for several different systems against the Sicilian 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 chooses d6, preparing for a variety of sharp systems. While g6 would lead to the Hyperaccelerated Dragon and e5 would be the Jalalabad Variation, d6 is the most classical approach, keeping the center flexible and solid.

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 looking to trade off pieces and simplify the game into a more positional struggle where your king safety and structure take priority.

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 plays Bd7, offering a trade. This is the main line of the Moscow. Other options like Nc6 or Nd7 lead to different types of middlegames where White often keeps the bishop on the board to maintain the annoying pin.

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

4. Bxd7+White · your move

Capture the bishop on d7 with your own. By trading off these pieces, you reduce the tactical complexity of the position. You are aiming for a long-term strategic battle where you will use your central pawns to squeeze Black's position.

4... Nxd7Black

Black recaptures with the knight, Nxd7. While Qxd7 is the main alternative, taking with the knight is very popular as it develops a piece and prepares for a solid setup. Black's position remains compact and difficult to break down.

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

5. O-OWhite · your move

Castle your king to safety on the kingside. This is a vital step in your development, bringing your rook toward the center and tucking your king away. You are now ready to begin your central operations with moves like c3 or d4.

5... Ngf6Black

Black plays Ngf6, putting immediate pressure on the e4 pawn. This is the most active way to continue. White must now choose between defending with Re1, Nc3, or even pushing e5 in some sharper variations of this setup.

Where you stand

The position is roughly equal but full of strategic depth. White will likely play Re1 to defend e4 and then look to expand with c3 and d4. Black will castle kingside and look for counterplay on the queenside or by challenging the center with e6 or a well-timed d5. The game will be decided by subtle maneuvering and pawn breaks.

• f1-e1 Defend e4 and prepare center
• c2-d4 Support d4 with c3 pawn
• e8-g8 Secure the king via castling
• d7-c5 Route knight to active squares