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

ECO B51

The Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation, Moscow Gambit is a chess opening line in the Sicilian Defense complex, 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.

It is catalogued under code B51 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO).

The defining move Bg5 is chosen by White on move 9.

Study this line with a grandmaster

This position is covered in the The Rossolimo course: a GM-authored repertoire you study move by move, then practice against a human-like AI opponent.

Every chess term used here is defined in the chess terms glossary. Browse all opening courses or the full ECO code index.