Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation, Moscow Gambit position after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bb5+ Nc6 4.O-O Bd7 5.c3 Nf6 6.Re1 a6 7.Bxc6 Bxc6 8.d4 Bxe4 9.Bg5. White: bishop on g5, pawn on d4, pawn on c3, knight on f3, pawn on a2, pawn on b2, pawn on f2, pawn on g2, pawn on h2, rook on a1, knight on b1, queen on d1, rook on e1, king on g1. Black: rook on a8, queen on d8, king on e8, bishop on f8, rook on h8, pawn on b7, pawn on e7, pawn on f7, pawn on g7, pawn on h7, pawn on a6, pawn on d6, knight on f6, pawn on c5, bishop on e4.
Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation, Moscow Gambit is a chess opening that arises after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bb5+ Nc6 4.O-O Bd7 5.c3 Nf6 6.Re1 a6 7.Bxc6 Bxc6 8.d4 Bxe4 9.Bg5. It is classified B51 in the ECO system, and the position after these moves has black to move. The Sicilian Defense is Black's most popular answer to 1.e4, meeting it with 1...c5 to fight for the centre asymmetrically rather than mirroring White's pawn. Because the pawn structures that result are unbalanced from move one, the Sicilian produces sharper and more double-edged positions than any other reply to the king's pawn, and it has the best practical scoring record for Black at master level.
Strategic character
Black accepts a slight lag in development in exchange for a queenside pawn majority and the half-open c-file, which becomes the main artery for counterplay. White typically attacks on the kingside while Black attacks on the queenside, so games often become a race in which tempo matters more than material.
Who should play it
Players who want winning chances with Black and are willing to learn theory. The main lines are heavily analysed, and being caught unprepared in the Najdorf or Dragon can lose quickly.
This line is a variation within the Sicilian Defense family. The strategic ideas above describe the family as a whole; this particular line reaches them by the move order 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bb5+ Nc6 4.O-O Bd7 5.c3 Nf6 6.Re1 a6 7.Bxc6 Bxc6 8.d4 Bxe4 9.Bg5.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation, Moscow Gambit?
The Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation, Moscow Gambit is a chess opening that arises after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bb5+ Nc6 4.O-O Bd7 5.c3 Nf6 6.Re1 a6 7.Bxc6 Bxc6 8.d4 Bxe4 9.Bg5. It is classified B51 in the ECO system. The Sicilian Defense is Black's most popular answer to 1.e4, meeting it with 1...c5 to fight for the centre asymmetrically rather than mirroring White's pawn. Because the pawn structures that result are unbalanced from move one, the Sicilian produces sharper and more double-edged positions than any other reply to the king's pawn, and it has the best practical scoring record for Black at master level.
What are the moves of the Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation, Moscow Gambit?
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bb5+ Nc6 4.O-O Bd7 5.c3 Nf6 6.Re1 a6 7.Bxc6 Bxc6 8.d4 Bxe4 9.Bg5. After these moves it is black to move.
Is the Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation, Moscow Gambit good for beginners?
Players who want winning chances with Black and are willing to learn theory. The main lines are heavily analysed, and being caught unprepared in the Najdorf or Dragon can lose quickly.