Semi-Slav Defense, Moscow Variation

The Moscow Variation arises in the Semi-Slav Defense after White places the bishop on g5 and Black attacks it with ...h6. Instead of retreating, White plays Bxf6 , captures the knight on f6, and allows Black's queen to recapture on that square.

White gives up a bishop for a knight, pieces of roughly similar value, to avoid some of the Semi-Slav's most forcing sacrificial lines. The exchange also draws Black's queen out early and leaves White with a small lead in development, meaning White may bring more pieces into useful play sooner. Typical follow-up moves include e3, Bd3, castling, and gradual pressure against the center.

The Moscow trades the bishop for development

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

h8

g

f

e

d

c

b

a

Start

h6

Bxf6

Qxf6

...h6 creates a genuine branch: Bxf6 leads to the Moscow, while Bh4 keeps the tension for the Anti-Moscow.

...h6 makes the bishop define the variation

The bishop pressures the knight shielding the queen, and Black asks whether it will capture or retreat.

1. ...h6 creates a genuine branch: Bxf6 leads to the Moscow, while Bh4 keeps the tension for the Anti-Moscow.
2. The g5-bishop and f6-knight form one pin relationship against the queen on d8.