Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation, Moscow Gambit
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. Bb5+ Nc6 4. O-O Bd7 5. c3 Nf6 6. Re1 a6 7. Bxc6 Bxc6 8. d4 Bxe4 9. Bg5
9… Bg6−0.17
The position is roughly equal. Stockfish 18, depth 18.
Analyze this positionIn the Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation, Moscow Gambit (B51), reached after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. Bb5+ Nc6 4. O-O Bd7 5. c3 Nf6 6. Re1 a6 7. Bxc6 Bxc6 8. d4 Bxe4 9. Bg5, Stockfish 18 recommends 9… Bg6 for Black. The position is roughly equal (−0.17).
Top engine moves
- −0.179… Bg6 10. dxc5 dxc5 11. Qb3 Qc7 12. Na3 Nd7 13. Rad1 f6 14. Bf4
- 0.009… Bc6 10. Na3 Qc7 11. Nc4 d5 12. Nce5 e6 13. Bf4 Bd6 14. dxc5
- +0.079… Bd5 10. c4 Bxf3 11. Qxf3 cxd4 12. Bxf6 gxf6 13. Qxf6 Rg8 14. Nd2
Frequently asked questions
What is the best move in the Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation, Moscow Gambit?
After 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. Bb5+ Nc6 4. O-O Bd7 5. c3 Nf6 6. Re1 a6 7. Bxc6 Bxc6 8. d4 Bxe4 9. Bg5, Stockfish 18 at depth 18 recommends 9… Bg6 for Black, continuing 10. dxc5 dxc5 11. Qb3 Qc7 12. Na3 Nd7 13. Rad1 f6 14. Bf4. The position is roughly equal (−0.17). The next best moves are 9… Bc6 (0.00) and 9… Bd5 (+0.07).
Is the Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation, Moscow Gambit a good opening?
Stockfish rates the position at −0.17: 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, Moscow Gambit?
B51. 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+).