Semi-Slav Defense: Anti-Moscow Gambit (D43)

The Anti-Moscow Gambit is a variation of the Semi-Slav Defense, catalogued as ECO D43. The line runs 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 e6 5. Bg5 h6 6. Bh4, reaching the position shown below after 11 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on d5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. White is ahead in development, with three minor pieces out to Black's one. It is Black to move after six moves.

On the Semi-Slav Defense generally: A complex defense combining ideas from the Slav and Queen's Gambit Declined.

You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.

Semi-Slav Defense: Anti-Moscow Gambit — position after Bh4 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 e6 5. Bg5 h6 6. Bh4

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4d5
2c4c6
3Nf3Nf6
4Nc3e6
5Bg5h6
6Bh4

ECO: D43

Stockfish: +0.44 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Semi-Slav Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Anti-Moscow Gambit?

The Anti-Moscow Gambit goes 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 e6 5. Bg5 h6 6. Bh4. It is a variation of the Semi-Slav Defense and is catalogued as ECO D43.

What is the ECO code for the Anti-Moscow Gambit?

The Anti-Moscow Gambit is ECO D43. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Semi-Slav Defense.

Is the Anti-Moscow Gambit good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 e6 5. Bg5 h6 6. Bh4 at +0.44 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for White, within normal opening margins. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.

What kind of position does the Anti-Moscow Gambit lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on d5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. White is ahead in development, with three minor pieces out to Black's one. It is Black to move.