English Opening: Closed, Taimanov Variation
English Opening: Closed, Taimanov Variation
Definition
The English Opening: Closed, Taimanov Variation is a branch of the English
Opening that begins with 1. c4 and quickly adopts a solid, closed
pawn structure with …e6 and …d5. Named after the Soviet Grandmaster and
famed pianist Mark Taimanov (1926-2016), the line
typically reaches the position
after four moves by each side:
1. c4 e6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Nf3 Nf6
4. d4 Be7
(or 4…c5). In ECO (Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings) codes the variation is
indexed as A26.
Typical Move Order
The most common sequence unfolds as follows:
Note that the same middlegame can arise from a Queen’s Gambit Declined transposition (1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6), but by starting with 1. c4 White keeps extra flexibility: he can still divert into pure English systems if Black plays anything except 1…e6.
Strategic Themes
- Central tension: The pawn duo d4–c4 vs. …d5–…e6 mirrors the Queen’s Gambit structure, giving White a space edge on the queenside while Black enjoys a rock-solid center.
- Minor-piece battles: The typical manoeuvre Bc1-g5-xf6 (exchanging on f6) or Bg2-f3 probes Black’s knight and dark squares. Black often counters with …b6 and …Bb7, or …c5 and a Tarrasch-style isolated queen’s pawn.
- Slow buildup: Because no immediate pawn breaks are forced, both sides can castle and improve their pieces before the first tactical skirmish. Plans revolve around the breaks cxd5 / e4 for White or …c5 / …e5 for Black.
- Transpositional weapon: White may shift to Catalan, Réti, or even pure Queen’s Gambit positions, keeping opponents guessing until the middle game.
Historical Background
Mark Taimanov introduced the line in the late 1950s, appreciating its harmony with his positional style. His notable successes against strong Soviet contemporaries popularised the system, and it soon appeared in top tournaments worldwide. Because Taimanov could transpose to the Queen’s Gambit or stay in English waters depending on Black’s replies, the variation became a favourite surprise weapon in the pre-computer era when deep preparation on every line was impossible.
Usage in Modern Play
Nowadays, elite players such as Magnus Carlsen, Levon Aronian and Anish Giri still employ the Taimanov Variation when they want a solid but non-forcing struggle. It is also a staple of correspondence and engine play because of its rich strategic complexity.
Illustrative Game
The following classic shows Taimanov himself patiently outplaying the future World Champion Boris Spassky:
[[Pgn| c4|e6|Nc3|d5|Nf3|Nf6|d4|Be7|Bg5|h6|Bh4|O-O|e3|b6|cxd5|Nxd5|Bxe7|Qxe7| Nxd5|exd5|Rc1|Be6|Qa4|c5|Qa3|Rc8|Bb5|a6|dxc5|bxc5|O-O|Ra7|Be2|Nd7| Nd4|Qf8|Nxe6|fxe6|e4|d4|f4|Qe7|e5|Rc6|Qa4|Rb6|b3|Nf8|Bd3|Qb7| Rxc5|Rxc5|Qxd4|Rd5|Qe3|Qd7|h3|Rc7|Bc4|Rd1|Rxd1|Qxd1+|Kh2|Qg1+|Qxg1|Rxg1| Kxg1|d3|Bxd3|Rd7|Bxa6|Ra7|Bc4|g6|a4|Kb7|Kf2|Kc6|Ke3|Kc5|g4|hg4|hxg4| Rb8|Rd2|Rh8|Rf2|Rh3+|Rf3|Rh2|Rf2|Rh3+|Rf3| |fen|| |arrows|d5d4,e6e5|squares|d4,e5 ]]
Taimanov – Spassky, USSR Championship, Riga 1958
White gradually converted a queenside majority after multiple
transpositions typical for the variation.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Mark Taimanov juggled professional chess with a concert-level piano career; he famously travelled to tournaments with his chess set in one hand and sheet music in the other.
- The move order 1. c4 e6 2. Nc3 can tempt Black into 2…Bb4 (the Kangaroo Defence). If White now plays 3. Qc2 the game can transpose yet again—showing the move-order subtleties for which the English is renowned.
- In the 2013 Candidates Tournament, Magnus Carlsen adopted the Taimanov set-up against Peter Svidler, calmly steering the game to a draw that helped secure first place and eventual qualification for the World Championship.
- The ECO code A26 is sometimes jokingly called “the pianist’s code” in honour of Taimanov’s dual talents.
- Engines evaluate the main line as roughly equal (≈ 0.20) but with a long horizon, meaning practical chances remain high for both colours—one reason it is popular in human play despite computer “equality.”