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  3. /Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation (B51)
B51

Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation

Key moves: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6

This move order in the Sicilian with 2...d6 can lead to many major variations including the Najdorf, Dragon, and Classical. It's the backbone of competitive chess openings.

History & Notable Players

The 2...d6 Sicilian systems have dominated top-level chess since the mid-20th century.

Top Players in this Opening

Nepomniachtchi,I91 gamesFirouzja,Alireza78 gamesGiri,A67 gamesSo,W63 gamesGrischuk,A62 gamesSvidler,P58 gamesNavara,D55 gamesCarlsen,M54 gamesNakamura,Hi52 gamesCaruana,F49 games

Related Openings

B50 - Sicilian Defense1049B52 - Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation, Main Line708B53 - Sicilian Defense: Chekhover Variation439B54 - Sicilian Defense: Prins Variation284B55 - Sicilian Defense: Prins Variation, Venice Attack21B56 - Sicilian Defense: Venice Attack239B57 - Sicilian Defense: Magnus Smith Trap143B58 - Sicilian Defense: Classical Variation81B59 - Sicilian Defense: Boleslavsky Variation50

Best Games

Caruana,F vs Giri,A1-0
Saint Louis Blitz 2023 2023Notable
Nakamura,Hi vs Firouzja,Alireza1-0
Saint Louis Blitz 2020 2020Notable
So,W vs Carlsen,M1/2-1/2
Saint Louis Rapid 2020 2020Notable
So,W vs Anand,V0-1
Tata Steel India Blitz 2019Notable
Nakamura,Hi vs Nepomniachtchi,I1/2-1/2
Tata Steel India Rapid 2019Notable
Nakamura,Hi vs Giri,A1-0
Tata Steel India Rapid 2019Notable
Carlsen,M vs Nepomniachtchi,I1-0
Tata Steel India Rapid 2019Notable
Anand,V vs So,W1-0
Tata Steel India Blitz 2018Notable
Anand,V vs So,W1/2-1/2
Saint Louis Blitz 2018 2018Notable
Kasparov,G vs Nepomniachtchi,I1/2-1/2
Saint Louis Blitz 2017 2017Notable
Navara,D vs Nepomniachtchi,I1/2-1/2
Saint Louis Blitz 2017 2017Notable
Anand,V vs Navara,D1-0
Saint Louis Rapid 2017 2017Notable
Anand,V vs Kasparov,G1/2-1/2
Saint Louis Rapid 2017 2017Notable
Adams,Mi vs Giri,A1/2-1/2
8th London Classic 2016 2016Notable
Carlsen,M vs Grischuk,A1-0
7th London Classic 2015 2015Notable
Nakamura,Hi vs Grischuk,A1-0
3rd Sinquefield Cup 2015 2015Notable
Anand,V vs Topalov,V1/2-1/2
3rd Sinquefield Cup 2015 2015Notable
Carlsen,M vs Topalov,V0-1
3rd Sinquefield Cup 2015 2015Notable
Carlsen,M vs Giri,A1/2-1/2
3rd Norway Chess 2015 2015Notable
Svidler,P vs Grischuk,A1/2-1/2
Baku FIDE Grand Prix 2014 2014Notable

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