Sicilian Taimanov/Bastrikov & English Attack
Sicilian Defense: Taimanov Variation
Definition
The Taimanov Variation is a flexible system for Black in the Sicilian Defense that typically begins 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nc6. By delaying the development of the kingside knight and bishop, Black keeps several options open—most notably …d5, …a6, and …Qb6—making the line hard for White to prepare against.
Typical Move Order
Most games reach the tabiya after:
- 1. e4 c5
- 2. Nf3 e6
- 3. d4 cxd4
- 4. Nxd4 Nc6
From here, White chooses among 5. Nc3 (pure Taimanov), 5. Nxc6?!, 5. Be2, or the trendy 5. Nb5. Black can answer with …a6, …Qc7, …Bb4, or the immediate central strike …d5.
Strategic Ideas
- Flexible pawn structure: The e6–d6 pawns can transform into a Scheveningen set-up (…d6 …Nf6 …Be7) or switch to a more dynamic hedgehog with …b6 and …Bb7.
- Central Break …d5: Because the c-pawn is already exchanged, the freeing thrust …d5 can arrive in one move rather than two, often equalizing instantly.
- Piece play over pawn storms: Black’s queenside development (…Qc7, …a6, …Nge7) attacks the d4-knight and targets the c-file rather than aiming for the traditional Sicilian kingside counterplay.
Historical Background
Grandmaster Mark Taimanov popularized the variation in the 1950s–70s, scoring several important wins in Soviet Championships. Though eclipsed for a while by the Najdorf, it returned to prominence through players like Garry Kasparov and Fabiano Caruana, who appreciated its surprise value at elite level.
Illustrative Mini-Game
The move 10…d5! (after the preparatory …Qb6) shows how Black can blast the center before White is ready.
Famous Encounters
- Karpov – Taimanov, Moscow 1973: Taimanov unveiled the …Bb4 pin and secured a lasting initiative.
- Caruana – Karjakin, Candidates 2016: Karjakin held comfortably with …d5 on move 11, demonstrating the line’s solidity under world-championship pressure.
Interesting Facts
- The variation was once nicknamed the “Swiss Army Knife Sicilian” because of its multi-purpose setup.
- Taimanov used the line to defeat Bobby Fischer in 1960—years before their famous Candidates match in 1971.
Sicilian Defense: Bastrikov Variation
Definition
The Bastrikov Variation is a close cousin of the Taimanov, distinguished mainly by the early development …Nf6 and the move …e6 inserted after 2…Nc6. A common starting sequence is 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e6. By combining ideas of the Classical Sicilian with Taimanov pawns, Black obtains dynamic piece play.
Origins and Name
Named for Soviet master Aleksandr Bastrikov, the line featured prominently in 1960s Russian tournaments. Western theory later lumped it under ECO code B40–B47, but Russian treatises still list it separately.
Strategic Hallmarks
- Scheveningen backbone: After …d6, Black’s structure mirrors the Scheveningen yet keeps the queen’s knight on c6 (not c7), increasing queenside pressure.
- Pawn levers on both wings: Black can choose …d5 like in Taimanov setups, but also the Najdorf-style …b5 if …a6 has been played.
- Early piece contact: White’s e4-pawn is hit immediately by …Nf6, forcing choices such as 6. Be2, 6. Bg5, or 6. Ndb5.
Critical Theory Paths
- 6. Be2 d6 7. O-O – Main line leading to rich middlegames resembling the Classical Scheveningen.
- 6. Ndb5 d6 7. Bf4 – White exploits the b5-outpost; Black replies with …e5 or …Ne5 to boot the knight.
- 6. Bg5 Bb4 – The “Russian Variation,” pinning and counter-pinning in razor-sharp positions.
Model Game
The surge 12…d5! underscores the Bastrikov’s central dynamism.
Notable Uses
- Anand – Ivanchuk, Linares 1993: Ivanchuk uncorked a stunning queen sacrifice, proving the variation’s tactical richness.
- Polgár – Kasparov, Wijk aan Zee 1999: Kasparov neutralized Judith’s initiative and won in a heavy-piece ending, showcasing the line’s solidity at top level.
Trivia
- Many databases group the Bastrikov under the “Paulsen” umbrella, causing confusion among club players studying ECO codes.
- The move order allows a transposition to the Najdorf if Black plays …a6 before …e6, giving surprise value against White repertoire specialists.
English Attack (against the Sicilian)
Definition
The English Attack is a powerful, modern weapon employed by White against the Sicilian Najdorf (and, by extension, the Scheveningen). Its trademark setup features Be3, Qd2, f3, g4, h4, and long-side castling, leading to opposite-side pawn storms. A standard Najdorf move order is 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Be3.
How the Name Arose
The strategy was refined in the 1980s by a generation of English grandmasters—John Nunn, Jon Speelman, and Nigel Short—hence the moniker “English Attack.” Its success soon made it a staple in world-championship preparation.
Key Setup for White
- Be3, Qd2, f3: Solidifies the e4-pawn and clears the way for g- and h-pawns.
- O-O-O: Castling long puts the king on the queenside where Black’s counterplay is slower.
- g4, h4, g5: The trademark pawn storm crashes into Black’s kingside, often ripping open files for rooks.
Strategic Themes
- Opposite-side attacks: Timing is everything; each side pushes pawns toward the enemy king with little regard for material.
- Control of d5: White’s knight on c3 and bishop on e3 watch the d5-square, trying to prevent Black’s freeing …d5 break.
- Exchange sacrifice on c3: Black frequently plays …Bxg4 or …Rxc3 to blunt White’s attack, leading to unbalanced positions.
Canonical Najdorf Line
One of the sharpest branches runs:
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Be3 e6 7. f3 b5 8. Qd2 Nbd7 9. g4 h6 10. O-O-O b4 11. Nce2 d5.
Historical High Points
- Anand – Kasparov, PCA Final 1995 (Game 10): Anand’s devastating kingside push forced Kasparov to abandon the Najdorf in the match.
- Topalov – Kramnik, Linares 1994: A spectacular queen sacrifice by Kramnik neutralized White’s pawn storm, enriching Najdorf theory.
Model Tactical Motif
Note how both sides disregard material and race for the opposing monarch.
Side Uses
The same attacking template works against:
- the Scheveningen (with …e6, …d6, no …a6)
- some Taimanov lines, leading to transpositions
Fun Facts
- The English Attack revolutionized Najdorf theory so radically that Garry Kasparov added 6…e6 to his repertoire—avoiding the line he had once championed.
- Club players often adopt the setup by rote, but precise move orders matter; an untimely g4 can allow …Nxg4! tactics.