Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation, Sokolsky Variation

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bb5+ Bd7 4.Bxd7+ Qxd7 5.c4

ECO B52

The Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation, Sokolsky Variation is a chess opening line in the Sicilian Defense complex, reached after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bb5+ Bd7 4.Bxd7+ Qxd7 5.c4.

It is catalogued under code B52 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO).

The defining move c4 is chosen by White on move 5.

The Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation, Sokolsky Variation is a line of the Sicilian Defense. The Sicilian Defense is a chess opening that begins 1.e4 c5. Read the complete Sicilian Defense guide: what it is, how to reach it, its main variations, how to play against it, and its history.

Study this line with a grandmaster

This position is covered in the The Moscow Attack 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.