Sicilian Moscow: 3...Nc6 4.O-O Bd7 5.Re1 Nf6 6.c3 a6 7.Bf1
Sicilian: Moscow 3...Nc6 4.O-O Bd7 5.Re1 Nf6 6.c3 a6 7.Bf1
Definition
The sequence 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bb5+ Nc6 4.O-O Bd7 5.Re1 Nf6 6.c3 a6 7.Bf1 belongs to the Moscow Variation of the Sicilian Defence. After White’s early check on b5, the play enters a quieter—yet highly strategic—branch of the Sicilian in which both sides aim for flexible development rather than immediate tactical mêlées. The specific move order highlighted is often called the “Modern Main Line” of the Moscow Variation.
Move Order at a Glance
- 1. e4 c5
- 2. Nf3 d6
- 3. Bb5+ Nc6 — the hallmark Moscow check; Black blocks with the knight
- 4. O-O Bd7 — the bishop politely asks the white bishop to decide its future
- 5. Re1 Nf6 — White protects the e-pawn; Black develops and attacks it
- 6. c3 a6 — White prepares d2–d4; Black kicks the bishop and grabs space
- 7. Bf1 — the bishop retreats, staying on the long diagonal for later pressure
Strategic Themes
- Controlled central expansion: By delaying d2–d4, White keeps the center fluid and avoids typical Open Sicilian theory contests.
- Two bishops vs. bishop-knight imbalance: After 3.Bb5+ and the later retreat to f1, White often aims to exchange on c6 (doubling pawns) only when it is positionally justified, thereby maintaining flexibility.
- Piece placement: 5.Re1 and 7.Bf1 harmonise the minor pieces: the f1-bishop can swing to g2 after g3, or to e2/c4 after d2–d4. The rook supports a later e4–e5 break.
- Black’s queenside counterplay: …a6 and …b5 are typical, aiming for …Bb7 and pressure down the long diagonal, or for …c4 to cramp White’s queenside.
Historical Significance
The Moscow Variation rose to prominence in the 1990s as a low-maintenance Anti-Sicilian weapon. Grandmasters such as Vladimir Kramnik, Peter Leko, and later Magnus Carlsen adopted it to sidestep encyclopaedic Najdorf and Dragon theory while retaining winning chances. The specific 7.Bf1 line became the chief battleground after the turn of the millennium, with hundreds of high-level games refining its nuances.
Typical Plans
- For White
- Break with d2–d4 once development is complete.
- Expand on the kingside with h2–h3, g2–g4, or even a timely e4–e5.
- Exploit the c6-knight’s pin or doubled pawns if an exchange on c6 occurs.
- For Black
- Undermine the center with …d5, often prepared by …e6 and …Be7.
- Queenside minority attack: …b5–b4 to fix the c3 pawn and gain space.
- Pressure along the c-file after …cxd4 and …Rc8.
Illustrative Games
Below are two instructive encounters that feature the exact move order:
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Kramnik – Anand, Wijk aan Zee 2007
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Carlsen – Nakamura, London Classic 2015
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The Moscow Variation was reputedly dubbed so because Soviet masters in Moscow promoted it as a practical Anti-Sicilian in the 1950s.
- In several top-level games, notably Kasparov – Karpov, Linares 1991, 3.Bb5+ served as a psychological weapon to drag Black out of Najdorf preparation.
- Magnus Carlsen used the line (with 7.Bf1) in rapid and blitz to win miniature games against elite opposition, provoking inaccurate queenside thrusts.
- Computers evaluate the position after 7.Bf1 as roughly equal (≈0.20) but practical winning chances remain rich for both sides.
When to Choose This Line
Pick the 7.Bf1 Moscow if you:
- Want a sound Anti-Sicilian that avoids excessive memorisation.
- Prefer strategic maneuvering over forcing tactical lines.
- Enjoy playing against a backward d-pawn (after …d6–d5) or doubled c-pawns (after Bxc6).
Quiz Yourself
After 7.Bf1, Black continues 7…e6. How would you develop your dark-squared bishop to keep the e4-pawn safe and prepare d2–d4? (Hint: 8.d4!? or 8.g3!?) Try analysing both with your engine!