Sicilian Defense: Taimanov & Szén 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 an early …d6 or …a6 and instead develops the knight to c6 and the queen to c7, keeping several central and queenside pawn breaks in reserve. It is named after the Soviet grandmaster and concert pianist Mark Taimanov, who championed the line in the 1960-s and 1970-s.

Typical Move Order & Key Branches

A common sequence is:

• 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nc6
  5.Nc3 Qc7 (the hallmark Taimanov move) 6.Be3 a6
• Move-order finesse: 4…Qc7 first, then …Nc6, is also possible to avoid certain sidelines.
• Main White systems:
  • English Attack: 7.Qd2, 8.f3, 9.g4 with opposite-side castling.
  • Sozin/Velimirović-style: 7.Be2, 8.0-0 and quick f4.
  • Classical Development: 7.Be2 followed by 0-0 and f4 or f3.

Strategic Ideas

• Flexibility: Black can choose between …d6 (transposing to Scheveningen-type structures) or …d5 in one move (Taimanov-Scheveningen hybrid).
• Piece Play: Both bishops often land on c5 and b7, putting pressure on e4 and the long diagonal.
• Counter-punching: …b5 and …b4 hit the knight on c3; …d5 strikes the center at the right moment, often after preparatory …Ne7 and …d6.
• King Safety: Castling short is normal, but many exciting games feature Black delaying castling or even going queenside if White castles long early.

Historical & Theoretical Significance

Mark Taimanov’s consistent use of 4…Nc6 & 5…Qc7 revitalized this system at elite level. The line gained further popularity when Garry Kasparov employed it in the 1980-s and 1990-s, demonstrating its dynamic potential against 2400-plus preparation. In modern databases the Taimanov remains one of the top three most frequently played non-Najdorf Sicilians.

Illustrative Game

Kasparov – Anand, Linares 1992, features the main line with opposite-side castling:

[[Pgn| e4|c5|Nf3|e6|d4|cxd4|Nxd4|Nc6|Nc3|Qc7|Be3|a6|Qd2|Nf6|f3|Be7|0-0-0|b5|g4|h6|K|Anand|Kasparov ]]

Interesting Facts

• Taimanov reportedly used to warm up on the piano minutes before important games, claiming it sharpened his tactical vision.
• The structure with …e6/…Qc7/…a6 has been borrowed by the Kan and Paulsen Sicilians; the differences often boil down to the early placement of the queen.
• Carlsen, Firouzja, and Giri all have recent wins with the Taimanov, proving its enduring relevance.

Szén Variation (Scotch Game)

Definition

The Szén Variation is a classical line in the Scotch Game that begins 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3. Instead of the sharper 5.Nxc6 (Mieses), White simply re-develops the queen knight, keeping the center fluid and inviting Black to resolve the tension. The variation honors Hungarian master József Szén (1805-1857), one of the strongest players of the pre-Steinitz era.

Typical Continuations

• 5…Bb4 (Schmidt Defense): 6.Nxc6 bxc6 7.Bd3 d5 8.exd5 cxd5 with lively play.
• 5…Bc5: A quiet development line leading to an Italian-like struggle.
• 5…d6: Transposes to Philidor-style structures where Black hopes to prove the knight on c3 slightly impedes White’s plan.
• 5…Bb4 6.Nxc6 (Forced) <– the critical branch in modern theory.

Strategic Themes

• Piece Activity vs. Pawn Structure: White aims for free development and central space; Black seeks structural trumps after …Bxc3+ or …d5.
• Open Center: Early c- and d-file exchanges often lead to queenless middlegames where minor-piece coordination is paramount.
• Pawns on c6 & e5: If Black recaptures with …bxc6, the doubled pawns grant open files but also a long-term weakness on c6.

Historical Footnote

Szén defeated French legend Lionel Kieseritzky with his pet line in the London 1851 tournament—chess’s first international event—showcasing how 5.Nc3 could subdue even the romantic attacking school of the time.

Model Game

An instructive miniature demonstrating Black’s structural weaknesses:

[[Pgn| e4|e5|Nf3|Nc6|d4|exd4|Nxd4|Nf6|Nc3|Bb4|Nxc6|bxc6|Bd3|d5|exd5|cxd5|O-O|O-O|Bg5 |fen|rnbq1rk1|ppp2ppp|2P2n2|3p2B1|4p3|3B4|PP3PPP|R2Q1RK1|arrows|d4c6,e5d4|squares|c6,d5 ]]

Interesting Facts

• The ECO code for the Szén line is C45; memorization tip: “C for Scotch, 45 for Szén’s S resembling a 5.”
• Magnus Carlsen used 5.Nc3 as a surprise weapon against Karjakin in Wijk aan Zee 2012, winning a quiet squeeze in 43 moves.
• The classic Szén Position in rook endgames (K+R vs. K+R draw) is credited to the same Hungarian master, making him a rare player honored both in openings and endings.