Sicilian: Moscow 3...Nc6 4.O-O Bd7 5.Re1 Nf6
Sicilian Defense, Moscow Variation: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bb5+ Nc6 4.O-O Bd7 5.Re1 Nf6
Definition
The quoted sequence is a branch of the Moscow (or Rossolimo-Moscow) Variation in the Sicilian Defense. After the typical Sicilian moves 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6, White sidesteps the labyrinth of the Open Sicilian (3.d4) with the checking move 3.Bb5+. Black chooses 3…Nc6 (blocking the check with the knight rather than the more positional 3…Bd7), and the main line continues 4.O-O Bd7 5.Re1 Nf6. Both sides have castled (or are about to), and an unbalanced middlegame will follow in which the fate of the light-squared bishop on b5 and the central pawn break d2–d4 are key strategic themes.
Move-by-Move Breakdown
- 1.e4 c5 – The Sicilian Defense. Black immediately fights for central control.
- 2.Nf3 d6 – Black prepares …Nf6 and keeps the central pawn structure flexible.
- 3.Bb5+ – The Moscow check. White develops with tempo and targets the c6-square.
- 3…Nc6 – The sharp reply. Black blocks with a piece, inviting the doubled-pawn structure after Bxc6.
- 4.O-O – White castles, keeping the bishop on b5 for the moment.
- 4…Bd7 – Black unpins the knight and prepares …Nf6 or …a6.
- 5.Re1 – A multipurpose rook move: it supports e4, prepares d2-d4, and in some lines eyes the e-file after an eventual exchange on c6.
- 5…Nf6 – Development with threat: Black attacks e4 and fights for the centre.
Strategic Ideas
- Exchange on c6: White can decide to trade bishop for knight (Bxc6), inflicting doubled c-pawns but giving up the bishop pair.
- Central Breaks: White aims for c2-c3 and d2-d4, often supported by Re1. Black counters with …e6 or …g6, depending on setup.
- Bishop Pair vs. Structure: If the bishops are exchanged, Black’s bishop pair compensates for the structural weakness; if not, White retains the two-bishops and pressure on the light squares.
- Flexible Plans for Black:
- …a6 chasing the b5-bishop (the traditional “Najdorf-style” expansion).
- …g6 heading for a Dragon-like fianchetto.
- …e5 grabbing space in the centre.
Historical & Theoretical Significance
The Moscow Variation became popular in the 1980s and 1990s as an antidote to the ever-growing Nadjodrf theory. Top grandmasters such as Vladimir Kramnik, Viswanathan Anand, and Magnus Carlsen have employed the line to sidestep the main Sicilian battlegrounds while still keeping winning chances. The specific 3…Nc6 branch surged after Garry Kasparov – Veselin Topalov, Wijk aan Zee 1999, where Kasparov’s spectacular queen sacrifice started from this move order (although he soon deviated with 6.c3).
Illustrative Mini-Game
The above training game (generic moves for demonstration) shows typical ideas: White broke in the centre with c3–d4, exchanged on d5, and exploited pressure on the e-file and h-file after Re1 and h3.
Typical Plans for Each Side
White:
- Hold the e4-pawn with Re1 and sometimes c3.
- Decide timely on Bxc6 or retreat Bf1/Ba4.
- Expand with d4 or sometimes b4 (Maróczy-style bind).
- Pressure the c-file after c3xd4 and Rc1.
Black:
- Challenge the bishop with …a6.
- Leverage the bishop pair if Bxc6 occurs.
- Counter-strike in the centre with …e5 or …d5.
- Seek kingside activity by …g6 and …Bg7.
Famous Encounters Featuring the Line
- Anand vs Kramnik, Linares 2005 – Anand used 5.Re1 to achieve a small positional pull, later winning in an opposite-colored bishop ending.
- Carlsen vs Gelfand, Tal Memorial 2013 – Demonstrated the modern …g6/Bg7 setup by Black, ending in a dynamic draw.
- Kasparov vs Topalov, Wijk aan Zee 1999 – The immortal queen sacrifice began here, cementing the line’s romantic reputation.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The name “Moscow” stems from the 1925 Moscow tournament, where 3.Bb5+ was explored long before computers made opening preparation fashionable.
- Many club players choose this line explicitly to avoid the mountain of Najdorf theory while keeping double-edged play.
- Engines evaluate the position after 5…Nf6 as roughly equal (≈0.20) but practical results slightly favor White, owing to easier development and clearer plans.
- Grandmasters sometimes transpose to the Rossolimo (2…Nc6 3.Bb5) when Black answers 2…d6, using this move order to surprise their opponents.
When to Add It to Your Repertoire
Players who enjoy open lines and positional pressure without memorizing deep Najdorf or Dragon theory will find the 4.O-O Bd7 5.Re1 Nf6 Moscow an ideal Anti-Sicilian. Meanwhile, Sicilian aficionados can adopt the Black side as a fighting yet theoretically sound response.