Moscow Variation

The Moscow Variation arises when White answers 5...h6 with 6. Bxf6 instead of retreating to h4. This avoids the sharp Anti-Moscow Gambit and gives the game a calmer character. Black gains the bishop pair and a solid but passive position, and must not open the game too early against White's better development and central control. 7. e3 is by far the most common reply, often followed by the plan e3-e4-e5. Alexei Dreev has played the line successfully as Black, and the engine rates it as balanced.