Sicilian Defense: Taimanov & Bastrikov Variations
Sicilian Defense: Taimanov Variation
Definition
The Taimanov Variation is a flexible branch of the Sicilian Defense that arises after the
moves:
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nc6.
Black postpones ...Nf6 and ...d6, keeping the central and kingside pawn structure
fluid. The line is named after Soviet Grandmaster and concert pianist
Mark Taimanov (1926-2016), who used it extensively in the 1950s-70s.
Typical Continuations
- 5.Nc3 Qc7 – the most common modern tabiya, aiming for …a6 and …b5.
- 5.Nb5 – White immediately hits the c7-square; play can transpose into the English Attack setups or Maroczy-style pawn structures.
- 5.c4 – The Keres Variation, grabbing space and steering toward an isolated-pawn position.
Strategic Features
• Flexibility: By delaying ...d6 or ...Nf6, Black can choose between
Scheveningen (-style), Hedgehog, or even Kan-like structures depending on White’s setup.
• Piece Activity: Both bishops often develop outside the pawn chain
(…Bb4 or …Bc5, …Be7 or …Bb4), giving Black lively piece play.
• Pawn Breaks: Typical Sicilian breaks …d5 and …b5 are easier to
engineer because the c-pawn has already departed and the e-pawn remains on e6.
Historical & Theoretical Significance
Taimanov used the line in his 1953 Candidates match with Smyslov and popularized it throughout the 1960s. Its reputation was temporarily damaged after Bobby Fischer demolished Taimanov in their famous 6-0 Candidates match (Vancouver, 1971), but modern engines have restored faith in the variation, and it is now a staple of elite repertoires (e.g., Fabiano Caruana, Anish Giri, and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave).
Illustrative Game
Carlsen, Magnus – Giri, Anish, Wijk aan Zee 2015.
A model Hedgehog structure where Black held the World Champion to a draw.
Interesting Facts
- Mark Taimanov famously balanced grandmaster-level chess with a professional concert-piano career, giving the variation an artistic pedigree.
- The opening’s ECO codes range from B46 to B49, depending on White’s 5th move and Black’s response.
- Because Black’s kingside is undeveloped, the line teaches the importance of prophylaxis—one inaccurate pawn push can allow a swift “Greek Gift” sacrifice on h7.
Sicilian Defense: Bastrikov Variation
Definition
Within the Taimanov complex, the Bastrikov Variation typically begins with
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nc6 5. Nc3 Qc7 6. Be3 Nf6
(or 6…a6) 7. f3 a6 8.Qd2.
It is named after the Russian master Alexander Bastrikov, who championed the
setup in Soviet tournaments of the 1950s. The hallmark of the line is the early
combination of ...Qc7, ...Nf6, and ...a6 without committing the d-pawn, allowing Black
to choose between …d5 (active play) or …d6 (Scheveningen-like solidity).
Key Ideas for Both Sides
- Black
- Postpone ...d6 in order to keep the central pawn break ...d5 available.
- Use ...Bb4+ or ...Bb4 to exchange off a knight and soften White’s grip on d5.
- Employ the queenside pawn storm …b5-b4 to drive away White’s c3-knight.
- White
- Typical “English Attack” plans with Be3, Qd2, 0-0-0, and g4-g5.
- If Black plays ...d5 too early, e4-e5 can cramp the black pieces.
- In some lines White delays castling, aiming for rapid central play with f4 or e5.
Theoretical Status
Modern engine analysis considers the Bastrikov a fully sound fighting weapon. Many Najdorf players adopt it as a low-maintenance alternative because it shares similar pawn structures without forcing them to memorize enormous Najdorf theory. Its ECO code is B49.
Model Game
Giri, Anish – Caruana, Fabiano, Tata Steel 2021.
Caruana equalized comfortably and later won by exploiting queenside pressure.
Interesting Tidbits
- The Bastrikov is sometimes called “Taimanov with ...Nf6” in informal conversation.
- Alexander Bastrikov’s original analyses appeared in the Soviet periodical Shakhmaty v SSSR, 1954.
- Because the variation can transpose to the Scheveningen, Kan, or even Hedgehog, it is a favorite of players who prefer to out-prepare their opponents psychologically rather than memorizing concrete forcing lines.