Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation, Haag Gambit
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Statistics from Lichess
19,320 games: White 55.2% / Draw 7.8% / Black 37.0%
| Next move | Games | White / Draw / BlackW / D / B |
|---|---|---|
| 12,81013K | ||
| 5,6455,645 | ||
| 442442 | ||
| 162162 | ||
| 154154 | ||
| 3030 | ||
| 1313 | ||
| 1212 |
Rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, from the Lichess opening explorer, updated Oct 30, 2026
Engine evaluation
+0.14 The position is about equal
Best play: 7... Nxe4 8. d5 Ne5 9. Re1 Nxf3+ 10. Qxf3 Nf6 11. c4 e5 12. dxe6
Stockfish 19, depth 30, after the line's last move. Scores are in pawns, from White's side.
Overview
Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation, Haag Gambit (ECO B52, Semi-Open Games) is a gambit in the Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation, Main Line, reached after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. Bb5+ Bd7 4. Bxd7+ Qxd7 5. O-O Nc6 6. c3 Nf6 7. d4 (7 moves).
In 19,320 rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, White won 55.2%, Black 37.0% and 7.8% were drawn. Black's most played move here is 7…cxd4, in 66% of those games.
Written from the Lichess opening list and explorer. Know this line well? Write about it.
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How to play against the Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation, Haag Gambit
7…Nxe4 scores best for Black: 41.8%, with Black winning 38.1% and White 54.6% of 5,645 games. The most played answer, 7…cxd4, scores lowest: 40.6% in 13K games. Stockfish's first choice is also 7…Nxe4.
Main answers: those played in at least 5% of these games. Score: Black's wins plus half the draws, in rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500. How to play against other popular openings
Cite this page
Caissa Codex. “Sicilian Defense: Moscow Variation, Haag Gambit (B52)”. Lichess data as of 30 Oct 2026. https://chesscodex.org/openings/sicilian-defense-moscow-variation-haag-gambit