Moscow 3.Bb5+ vs 2...d6 is variation 6 of 6 in the Anti-Sicilians for White course, a intermediate opening course for White (ECO B52). It runs 22 moves and begins 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. Bb5+ Bd7 4. Bxd7+ Qxd7 …. Against 2...d6, the check 3.Bb5+ usually leads to a bishop trade on d7. White then builds a Maroczy bind with c4, Nc3 and d4, getting a solid space advantage with very little to memorise. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. e4 – Takes the centre.
1... c5 – The Sicilian.
2. Nf3 – Develops.
2... d6 – Controls e5 and prepares ...Nf6.
3. Bb5+ – The Moscow Variation: the check forces Black to block and leads to piece trades.
3... Bd7 – The most common block, offering a bishop trade.
4. Bxd7+ – White trades bishops, so Black loses some of the pressure on d5 and e4.
4... Qxd7 – Recaptures with the queen, keeping the b8 knight for c6.
5. c4 – The Maroczy-bind setup: c4 and e4 clamp the d5 square.
5... Nc6 – Develops and watches d4.
6. Nc3 – Develops and supports d5.
6... g6 – Black fianchettoes to press on d4 and the long diagonal.
7. d4 – Opens the centre while the knight on f3 can recapture.
7... cxd4 – Black exchanges.
8. Nxd4 – Recaptures with a centralised knight.
8... Bg7 – The bishop hits the d4 knight.
The lesson goes on for 6 more moves, each with its explanation.
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