Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation, Main Line
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. Bb5+ Bd7
4. c4+0.15
The position is roughly equal. Stockfish 18, depth 18.
Analyze this positionIn the Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation, Main Line (B52), reached after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. Bb5+ Bd7, Stockfish 18 recommends 4. c4 for White. The position is roughly equal (+0.15).
Top engine moves
- +0.154. c4 e5 5. Bxd7+ Qxd7 6. Nc3 Nf6 7. O-O Be7 8. d3 O-O
- +0.134. Bxd7+ Qxd7 5. O-O Nf6 6. Re1 Nc6 7. c3 e6 8. d4 d5
- +0.094. Qe2 Bxb5 5. Qxb5+ Qd7 6. Qe2 Nc6 7. c3 e5 8. O-O Be7
Frequently asked questions
What is the best move in the Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation, Main Line?
After 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. Bb5+ Bd7, Stockfish 18 at depth 18 recommends 4. c4 for White, continuing e5 5. Bxd7+ Qxd7 6. Nc3 Nf6 7. O-O Be7 8. d3 O-O. The position is roughly equal (+0.15). The next best moves are 4. Bxd7+ (+0.13) and 4. Qe2 (+0.09).
Is the Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation, Main Line a good opening?
Stockfish rates the position at +0.15: the position is roughly equal. Evaluations this early in the game are small, so practical results depend far more on knowing the plans and typical structures than on the engine's number.
What is the ECO code of the Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation, Main Line?
B52. ECO codes classify chess openings from A00 to E99; B is the volume for semi-open games (other than the French).
Opening names from the Lichess opening book (CC0). Pieces by Colin M.L. Burnett (GPLv2+).