Sicilian: Moscow 3...Bd7 4.Bxd7+ Qxd7

Before the first move

The Moscow Variation is a solid, strategic alternative to the Open Sicilian. By checking on b5, White avoids the complex theory of the Najdorf or Dragon, aiming instead for a controlled game where structural advantages and piece coordination matter more than a direct king hunt.

1. e4White · your move

Push your pawn to e4. This classic opening move claims space in the center and opens diagonal paths for your queen and light-squared bishop to enter the game.

1... c5Black

Black replies with c5, the signature move of the Sicilian. By challenging the d4-square from the side, Black avoids the immediate symmetry of 1...e5. Other options like the Barnes Defense with f6 or the Borg with g5 are much rarer and less respected.

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 d4 push and gets your knight to its most natural square, where it eyes the center and supports your kingside castling.

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, opening lines for the bishop and preparing to meet d4 with a capture. While the Hyperaccelerated Dragon with g6 or the Jalalabad with e5 are interesting alternatives, d6 is the cornerstone of the classical Sicilian setups.

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 to deliver a check. This is the Moscow Variation. Instead of the usual d4, you are challenging Black immediately and forcing them to decide how to block the check.

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 way to meet the check. By offering a trade, Black hopes to neutralize White's initiative. Other main responses include Nc6 or the more provocative Nd7, which keeps more pieces on the board.

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

4. Bxd7+White · your move

Capture the bishop on d7 with a check. By trading off this bishop, you remove Black's most active defender of the dark squares and simplify the transition into the middlegame.

4... Qxd7Black

Black captures back with Qxd7. This is the modern preference, keeping the knight on b8 ready to jump to c6. The alternative, Nxd7, is also very common and leads to different piece configurations, but the queen recapture is very reliable.

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

Where you stand

The position is roughly equal but full of strategic depth. White will likely castle and play c3 or d3 to build a solid center, while Black will develop the knight to c6 and look for counterplay on the c-file. Both sides have traded their light-squared bishops, making the control of the dark squares the next major theme of the battle.

• e1-g1 Castle kingside to secure the monarch
• b1-c3 Develop the knight to control d5
• b8-c6 Bring the knight to its best square
• c5-c4 Pressure the queenside with pawn advances