Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation, Main Line
The Moscow Main Line is 3...Bd7, blocking the check with the bishop and offering a trade. White usually takes on d7 and castles, while Black recaptures with the queen and aims for ...Nc6 and an early ...d5 break.
- Moves
- 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bb5+ Bd7
- ECO
- B52
- Engine
- +0.12 · level (Stockfish 17.1, depth 20)
- Played
- 2,328 games in our lichess sample
- White scores
- 48.7%
Key ideas for both sides
White
- 4.Bxd7+ Qxd7 and castling is standard; then c3 and d4 build a central presence.
- 4.c4 sets up a Maroczy-style grip, then Bxd7+ and Nc3 keep control of d5.
- 4.a4 keeps the bishop on b5 and lets White develop with d3 and Re1.
- After ...d5, trade with exd5 and use Nc3 or c4 to gain time on the queen.
Black
- Recapture with ...Qxd7 so the queen supports ...Nc6 and ...d5.
- Play ...d5 early to fight for the center, as in the engine line.
- Against c4, ...g6 and ...Bg7 put pressure on the dark squares.
- Develop with ...Nf6, ...e6, ...Be7 and castle for a solid game.
Plans and pawn structure
After the bishop trade, Black has an easy game with fewer pieces. White aims for c3 and d4 or the c4 grip, while Black aims for ...Nc6, ...e6 or ...d5 to free the position. In the c4 lines, Black's fianchetto with ...g6 and ...Bg7 targets d4 and b2. The game usually becomes a balanced middlegame with chances for both sides.
What the engine plays from here
Stockfish 17.1 at depth 20 rates the position +0.12: level. Its three top choices for White:
- +0.12 4.Bxd7+ Qxd7 5.O-O Nc6 6.c3 d5
- +0.05 4.c4 g6 5.Bxd7+ Nxd7 6.O-O Ngf6
- −0.09 4.a4 Nf6 5.d3 e6 6.O-O Be7
Pawns, from White's side.
How it scores on lichess
2,328 rated lichess games reached this position; White scored 48.7%.
Light: White wins. Grey: draws. Dark: Black wins. About the sample.
Where it goes next
- Moscow Variation, Haag Gambit4.Bxd7+ · rare
How to play against it
As White, take on d7 and castle, then play c3 and d4. Do not expect a large edge; this line is meant to be solid. Avoid early queen moves that let Black gain time with ...Nc6 and ...d5.
Questions
What are the moves of the Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation, Main Line?
The Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation, Main Line starts 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bb5+ Bd7. Its ECO code is B52.
Is the Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation, Main Line good for Black?
Stockfish 17.1 rates the position +0.12 at depth 20, which is level. In 2,328 lichess games from our sample, White scored 48.7%. A solid line for Black players who like simple development, while White players get a calm game with little risk.
What is the main idea of the Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation, Main Line?
Black blocks the check with the bishop, simplifying the game with an early bishop trade. White builds a center with c3 and d4 or c4, while Black aims for ...Nc6 and ...d5.
What should White play next?
The engine's first choice is Bxd7+, with c4 and a4 close behind. 4.Bxd7+ trades bishops and lets White castle quickly with an easy position.
Related lines
Updated October 2026. Sources and method.