Sicilian Defense · B52
Moscow Variation, Main Line
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. Bb5+ Bd7
Black's bishop on d7 is pinned against the king.
The first 4 moves, explained
- 1. e4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d5, and frees the bishop and queen.
- 1... c5 Fights for d4 from the flank - contesting the centre without committing a centre pawn. Theory calls this the Sicilian Defense.
- 2. Nf3 Develops the knight to f3, eyeing d4 and e5.
- 2... d6 Supports the centre, adding control of e5.
Sign in to read every move's note and train this line — 2 more moves in this line, 6 in all.
Where this fits
This line is one of 391 in the Sicilian Defense. If you want to know where your own games leave it, the guide on leaving theory explains how that is found.