Sicilian: Prins (Moscow), 5...Nc6

Sicilian Defence: Prins (Moscow) Variation, 5…Nc6

Definition

The Prins (also spelled “Prins Moscow”) is a branch of the Moscow Variation of the Sicilian Defence that arises after the sequence 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bb5+ Bd7 4.Bxd7+ Qxd7 5.c4 Nc6. The defining features are:

• White has exchanged the light-squared bishop for Black’s knightless bishop on d7.
• White has inserted the move c2-c4, grabbing central space and setting up a Maroczy-Bind structure.
• Black replies with 5…Nc6, contesting the vital d4 and e5 squares while retaining flexible pawn breaks (…e6 or …g6).

Typical Move-Order

The most common route is:

1. e4   c5
2. Nf3  d6
3. Bb5+ Bd7   (3…Nd7 leads to the “pure” Moscow; 3…Bd7 is the main Prins/Moscow branch.)
4. Bxd7+ Qxd7
5. c4   Nc6  (Prins Variation, 5…Nc6)

Alternatives to 5…Nc6 (such as 5…Nf6, 5…e6 or 5…g6) give rise to other named sub-variations, but 5…Nc6 is currently the most ambitious and popular choice among top players.

Strategic Ideas

For White

• Establish a Maroczy Bind with pawns on c4 and e4, restricting Black’s …d5 and …b5 breaks.
• Exploit the absence of Black’s dark-squared bishop by maneuvering pieces toward the d5-square.
• Keep a long-term space advantage, often via setups with Nc3, d4, Be3, Qe2, Rd1.

For Black

• Use 5…Nc6 to pressure d4 and prepare …Nf6, …g6, and …Bg7 or the classical …e6 & …Nge7 plan.
• Timely pawn breaks …b5 or …d5 are critical to free Black’s position.
• The kingside fianchetto (…g6, …Bg7) often leads to a “Hedgehog” structure with pieces behind a stout pawn wall.

Historical Background

The line is named after Dutch grandmaster Lodewijk Prins, who was one of the earliest specialists in the 1950s. Because it begins from the Moscow Variation (3.Bb5+), modern databases normally file it under ECO codes B51–B52.

Interest surged in the 1990s when Vladimir Kramnik, Peter Svidler, and Alexei Shirov adopted it as Black, appreciating its dynamic counter-chances without the heavy theoretical load of mainline Najdorfs. In recent years it has remained a practical weapon for elite players such as Fabiano Caruana and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave.

Model Game

The following miniature illustrates typical plans for both sides:

After 10…e5 Black achieves the thematic central break, liberating the position while White retains only a slight space edge.

Comparison with Other Moscow / Rossolimo Lines

• 3…Nd7 (Pure Moscow): Black keeps the option of …Ngf6 and often plays …a6. White normally secures the bishop pair but does not obtain the Maroczy Bind.
• Rossolimo (2…Nc6 3.Bb5): A sibling system reached after a different second move; the Prins often transposes if Black later plays …d6 and …Bd7.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Lodewijk Prins was not only a grandmaster but also a Dutch resistance courier in World War II; his opening legacy lives on through this variation.
• The exchange 3.Bb5+ Bd7 4.Bxd7+ Qxd7 ironically helps some Black players: the queen is already developed, and the dark-square weaknesses around d4 can be remedied by a quick …Nc6 and …Nf6.
• Engines evaluate the starting position after 5…Nc6 as roughly equal (≈0.20-0.30 for White), but practical results in master play are almost exactly 50-50.

Practical Tips

• As White: Memorize typical piece placements rather than move orders. A central d4-push is mandatory—without it, the Bind dissolves.
• As Black: Don’t rush …b5 until the c-pawn is securely defended. Watch out for tactical shots on b5 / d6 when your queen sits on d7.