Chess Openings·Sicilian Defence, Moscow Variation

Semi-Open Game

Sicilian Defence, Moscow Variation

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bb5+

Step through

5 / 5
  1. 1.
  3. 2.
  5. 3.

Tap a move to jump to that position.

Instead of copying the centre, the reply comes from the side. Both kings come under fire early, so one slip decides it. Of the four central squares, pawns stand on e4. Nothing has been captured yet. Neither side has castled yet. The last move gives check.

The position

Length
5 moves
To move
Black
Legal replies
4
Minor pieces out
White 2 · Black 0
Material
level
Castling rights left
KQkq
FEN
rnbqkbnr/pp2pppp/3p4/1Bp5/4P3/5N2/PPPP1PPP/RNBQK2R b KQkq - 1 3

Move by move

Each move spelled out: which piece went from where to where.

  1. 1.e4White: Pawn e2→e4
  2. 1…c5Black: Pawn c7→c5
  3. 2.Nf3White: Knight g1→f3
  4. 2…d6Black: Pawn d7→d6
  5. 3.Bb5+White: Bishop f1→b5 (check)

Nearby lines

first 4 moves shared

Sicilian Defence, Open Variation…d4 cxd4 Nxd4 Nf6Sicilian Defence, Najdorf Variation…d4 cxd4 Nxd4 Nf6Sicilian Defence, Dragon Variation…d4 cxd4 Nxd4 Nf6Sicilian Defence, Scheveningen Variation…d4 cxd4 Nxd4 Nf6Sicilian Defence, Classical Variation…d4 cxd4 Nxd4 Nf6Sicilian Defence, Richter-Rauzer Attack…d4 cxd4 Nxd4 Nf6

Common questions

Q. What are the moves of Sicilian Defence, Moscow Variation?

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bb5+

Q. Which family does it belong to?

Semi-Open Game — 1.e4 met by anything other than 1…e5.

Q. Who is to move next?

After 5 moves it is Black to move.