English Opening: Reversed Sicilian Taimanov Full Symmetry

English Opening Reversed Sicilian Taimanov Full Symmetry Line

Definition

The English Opening Reversed Sicilian Taimanov Full Symmetry Line is a Symmetrical English setup in which both sides mirror a classic Sicilian Taimanov structure, but with colors reversed. In the Sicilian Taimanov for Black, the hallmark moves include ...e6, ...Nc6, ...Qc7, and often ...a6. Reversed in the English (where White starts and thus has an extra tempo), the analogous structure is e3, Nc3, Qc2, and a3 for White—while Black mirrors with e6, Nc6, Qc7, and a6. When both sides copy each other move-for-move, the position reaches a “full symmetry” tabiya.

From an opening-classification standpoint, this falls under the Symmetrical English (1. c4 c5), commonly cataloged in ECO A30–A39. In short: Symmetrical English + Taimanov structure + colors reversed + mirrored development.

How it arises (typical move orders)

A clean route to the English Opening Reversed Sicilian Taimanov Full Symmetry Line is:

• 1. c4 c5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 e6 5. Qc2 Qc7 6. a3 a6 7. Be2 Be7 8. O-O O-O

Now the symmetry is striking: knights on c3/c6 and f3/f6, e-pawns on e3/e6, queens on c2/c7, and a-pawns on a3/a6. The next phase revolves around timely pawn breaks—especially d2–d4 for White and ...d7–d5 for Black—or queenside expansion with b2–b4 and ...b7–b5. Because it’s a Colors reversed Sicilian structure, White’s extra tempo often translates into a small, stable initiative.

Strategic ideas and plans

• White’s typical plans:
  • Central break with d2–d4, often prepared with Rd1 and Be2.
  • Queenside expansion with b2–b4 and sometimes Rb1, creating an Open file after cxb4 or bxc5.
  • Kingside pressure via Ne4, Bb2 (after b3), and occasionally a space-gaining e3–e4.
• Black’s typical plans:
  • Equalizing with ...d5 at the right moment—ideally with ...Rd8 and ...Re8 in place and a dark-squared bishop developed via ...b6–...Bb7.
  • Queenside counterplay with ...b5 mirroring White’s b-pawn lever.
  • Flexible development with ...b6–...Bb7 controlling key dark squares (d5/e4).
• Piece placement: the Qc2/Qc7 mirror invites Nb4/Nb5 jumps; hence a3/...a6 is standard prophylaxis.
• Symmetry rarely lasts long; White’s extra tempo usually forces a break of symmetry with a well-timed pawn break or maneuver.

Why it matters (theoretical and historical notes)

The Taimanov concept is famous for flexibility in the Sicilian. Reversing it in the English gives White a low-risk, high-structure way to press for an edge without diving into heavy Theory. Many elite players use the Symmetrical English to outmaneuver opponents in OTB events and faster formats like Rapid and Blitz.

Mark Taimanov, a world-class GM and concert pianist, popularized the original Sicilian setup that inspired these mirrored English structures. The fully symmetrical version suits players who like the “small edge, no weaknesses” approach.

Key patterns, tactics, and motifs

• Prophylaxis vs. Nb4/Nb5: with Qc2/Qc7, a3/...a6 is common to stop annoying knight hops to b4/b5.
• Central breaks: d2–d4 versus ...d7–d5; the side that times the break better often seizes the Initiative.
• Queenside levers: b4 or ...b5 to open the b-file and activate Connected rooks.
• LPDO alert: mirrored positions punish carelessness—Loose pieces can be En prise.
• Endgame drift: many lines steer toward a technical middlegame/Endgame where White’s tempo can matter, especially in a Queenless middlegame.

Illustrative line (full symmetry, then central break)

The sample below keeps full symmetry early, then shows White’s thematic d4 break and the ensuing queenside tension:

Engine guidance typically evaluates White’s pull around +0.20 to +0.35 CP, reflecting the extra tempo in this reversed Sicilian structure. See also: Book move, Engine eval, and Theory.

Move-order nuance and common pitfalls

• If White plays Qc2 without a3, Black can hit with ...Nb4 targeting the queen and c2. This is why a3/...a6 often appears before slow moves.
• Over-eager ...d5 can backfire when underdeveloped; after cxd5 exd5 d4, White may open the center with better coordination.
• Don’t chase “perfect symmetry” at all costs; break symmetry when it solves a concrete problem (e.g., meeting d4 or preventing b4).

Short tactical demonstration of the ...Nb4 idea if White neglects a3:

Moral: include a3 before slow moves like g3/Bg2 when you’ve already placed the queen on c2.

Practical tips

• As White: Be first to break symmetry with d4 under favorable conditions. Typical prep: Rd1, Be2, sometimes b3–Bb2.
• As Black: Choose an anti-mirror plan when needed—e.g., ...b6–...Bb7 setups, or meeting d4 with immediate captures and pressure on the d-file.
• Time controls: Excellent for solid Practical chances in Blitz and Rapid; you reach sound structures quickly, then outplay later.
• Prep approach: Rely on patterns and tabiyas for Home prep rather than dense memorization.

Transpositions and related structures

• May transpose into a queenside expansion battle after b4/...b5 with an Open file on b.
• Can drift into other Symmetrical English branches if either side fianchettos early (g3/Bg2 or ...g6/...Bg7).
• Sometimes converts into Tarrasch/QGD-like central structures after d4/d5 with e3/e6.

Related entries: English Opening, Colors reversed, Transposition, Pawn break, Initiative, LPDO, Endgame.

Fun facts

• Named for Mark Taimanov’s flexible Sicilian setup; the reversed, fully symmetrical cousin is beloved by positional players and “Grinders.”
• Full symmetry rarely persists beyond move 10–12; the side who breaks it on favorable terms usually seizes the narrative.
• Great line for a “Positional player” who prefers incremental advantages over speculative tactics.

Try it in your games

If you enjoy maneuvering battles and low-risk pressure, add the English Opening Reversed Sicilian Taimanov Full Symmetry Line to your repertoire. Track your progress over time: .