Sicilian: Moscow 3...Nd7 4.d4 cxd4

Sicilian: Moscow 3...Nd7 4.d4 cxd4

Definition

The sequence 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. Bb5⁺ Nd7 4. d4 cxd4 belongs to the Moscow Variation of the Sicilian Defence. After White checks on b5, Black replies 3…Nd7 instead of the more common 3…Bd7 or 3…Nc6. The immediate break 4.d4 is the principled way for White to seize central space, and Black accepts the challenge by capturing: 4…cxd4.

Basic Move-order

1. e4  c5
2. Nf3  d6
3. Bb5⁺  Nd7
4. d4  cxd4

Strategic Ideas

• Black’s 3…Nd7
  • Sidesteps doubled pawns: if White later exchanges on d7, Black recaptures with the queen or bishop, avoiding structural weaknesses.
  • Keeps the c8-bishop flexible; it may develop to g4, e6, or even b7 after …b6.
  • Temporarily blocks the queen and dark-squared bishop, so Black often plays …Ngf6 and …e6 to unwind.
• White’s 4.d4
  • Grabs central space and opens lines for the queen and the light-squared bishop.
  • After 4…cxd4 5.Qxd4, White’s queen lands on an active square, eyeing the d7-knight, the a7-pawn, and the 7th rank.
  • Typical follow-ups include c3, c4, O-O, and placing a rook on d1 to exploit the open d-file.

Plans for Each Side

• White
  • Maintain the space advantage with c4 or c3.
  • Trade on d7 at a convenient moment to spoil Black’s coordination.
  • Exploit the half-open d-file with Rd1 and pressure on d6.
• Black
  • Challenge the centre with …Ngf6, …e6, and later …d5 or …e5.
  • Develop quickly: …a6 forces a bishop decision, after which …Ngf6 and …e6 harmonize the pieces.
  • Seek counterplay on the queenside (…b5, …Bb7) or in the centre (…d5).

Historical & Theoretical Significance

The 3…Nd7 branch gained followers in the late 20^th century as a way to dodge the heavy theory of 3…Bd7 and 3…Nc6. Grandmasters such as Boris Gelfand, Viswanathan Anand, and Magnus Carlsen have used it as a surprise weapon.

Illustrative Example

One of the most cited model games for this line:

Anand – Gelfand, Tal Memorial 2011

Anand eventually won a smooth positional game, showing how White’s harmonious piece placement can restrict Black’s counterplay when the latter lags in development.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Because the queen comes to d4 so early, club players often fear “bringing the queen out too soon,” yet in this line it is completely sound.
• 3…Nd7 is sometimes called the “Novosibirsk Defence” after Russian players who championed it in the 1980s.
• Magnus Carlsen used the setup twice in the 2012 London Classic, scoring 1½/2 against elite opposition.

Typical Middlegame Position

After the common continuation 5.Qxd4 a6 6.Bxd7+ Bxd7 7.O-O Nf6 8.c4 e5, the board often features:

• Isolated or backward d6 pawn for Black.
• White queen on d4 backed by Rd1 and Nc3, exerting central pressure.
• Black aiming for …Be7, …0-0, and …b5 to uncoil.

Why Study This Line?

For White, it offers an aggressive yet positionally sound approach requiring less theory than mainline Open Sicilians. For Black, it provides a resilient sideline that avoids the heaviest theoretical battles while keeping plenty of dynamic potential.