Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation
Main Line
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. Bb5+
Overview
The 2...d6 cousin of the Rossolimo. With 3.Bb5+, White gives check immediately and Black must block with 3...Bd7, 3...Nc6, or 3...Nd7 — each leading to a slow positional game where White's typical plan is Bxd7+ (or Bxc6+) followed by c3, d4, and a Maróczy-style central clamp. Completely sidesteps Najdorf, Dragon, and Scheveningen theory in one move. Named after the 1947 Moscow event where Soviet grandmasters Pyotr Romanovsky and others first systematized the line. Modern proponents include Anish Giri, Levon Aronian, and Fabiano Caruana.
Analyze your Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation games for free
Open chess.rodeo ↗Related Openings
1. e4 c5
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 g6
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e6
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 Nc6
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e5
Frequently asked questions
Free Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation analysis — no signup, no daily cap.
What is the Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation?
The Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation (ECO code B51) is a chess opening that begins with 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. Bb5+. The 2...d6 cousin of the Rossolimo. With 3.Bb5+, White gives check immediately and Black must block with 3...Bd7, 3...Nc6, or 3...Nd7 — each leading to a slow positional game where White's typical plan is Bxd7+ (or Bxc6+) followed by c3, d4, and a Maróczy-style central clamp. Completely sidesteps Najdorf, Dragon, and Scheveningen theory in one move. Named after the 1947 Moscow event where Soviet grandmasters Pyotr Romanovsky and others first systematized the line. Modern proponents include Anish Giri, Levon Aronian, and Fabiano Caruana.
What are the main moves of the Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation?
The main line of the Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation is 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. Bb5+. It is classified under ECO code B51 and falls in the Semi-Open Game family of chess openings. From this starting position, both sides have well-established plans — White typically continues with natural developing moves while Black follows the response patterns described above.
Is the Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation good for beginners?
The Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation is a reasonable choice for beginners who want exposure to semi-open game positions. The main line (1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. Bb5+) is easy to remember, and the resulting middlegame patterns are well-documented. Focus on understanding the typical pawn structure rather than memorizing 15 moves of theory — engine review of your own games at chess.rodeo is more useful than theory study at the club level.
What ECO code is the Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation?
The Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation is classified as ECO code B51. ECO (Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings) is the standard five-letter classification system developed by Chess Informant in the 1970s — A-codes cover flank openings, B-codes 1.e4 replies that aren't 1...e5, C-codes 1.e4 e5 openings, D-codes 1.d4 d5 systems, and E-codes Indian Defenses. You can browse all openings by ECO code in our free opening database.
How do I analyze my Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation games for free?
Use chess.rodeo for full Stockfish analysis of your Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation games — no account required, no daily cap, no paywall. Paste your PGN and get instant engine evaluation on every move, including the opening phase. For move-by-move replay without engine output, use our free PGN viewer. Both are completely free with no signup.