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Bb5 Sicilian

Bb5 Sicilian

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Hey, guys! I was wondering what is the strategical difference between the Rossolimo and the Moscow Variations, which are 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 and 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bb5+ respectively?

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The Moscow is better 😛 because it actually involves a pin. Both are pretty closed I believe, not a huge difference, I play 2. Bb5 on occasion with decent results, but it's no amazement.

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Originally posted by badivan1
Hey, guys! I was wondering what is the strategical difference between the Rossolimo and the Moscow Variations, which are 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 and 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bb5+ respectively?
Well, I don't play 1. e4 as white, so I couldn't tell you from white's perspective, but it really annoys me to have someone come along and play 3. Bb5+ after I get mentally prepared for an open Sicilian. Out of curiousity to anyone who plays it fairly often, is it better to block with the bishop or the knight?

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I believe the bishop is more common, with the queen recapture, it seems to give black the best game as he can still play Nc6 and maintain play in the center.

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Originally posted by yofidawg
The Moscow is better 😛 because it actually involves a pin. Both are pretty closed I believe, not a huge difference, I play 2. Bb5 on occasion with decent results, but it's no amazement.
You have them wrong way round mate.........Moscow is 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bb5+ and Rossilimo is 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5

I belive the Rossilimo is better for White than the Moscow

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Rossolimo Variation.

Thread 46061.