Sicilian: Kan, 5.Nc3 Qc7 6.Bd3
Sicilian: Kan, 5.Nc3 Qc7 6.Bd3
Definition
The sequence 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 a6 5.Nc3 Qc7 6.Bd3 belongs to the Kan Variation of the Sicilian Defence. It is identified by Black’s flexible pawn structure …e6 and …a6, followed by …Qc7. White’s sixth-move bishop deployment to d3—rather than the more popular 6.Be2 or 6.g3—gives the position its distinctive character.
Typical Move Order
The characteristic roadmap reaches the diagrammed position after:
Because the Kan is an “elastic” Sicilian, transpositions to Scheveningen-style setups, Taimanov structures, or even to the Paulsen are common. White’s 6.Bd3 aims directly at the h7-square, preparing ideas like 7.Qe2, 8.0-0, and a kingside pawn storm.
Strategic Themes
- For White
- Immediate pressure on the kingside: the Bd3+Qe2 battery often enables a quick sacrifice on e6 or h7 once Black castles.
- Rapid development: Knights on d4 and c3, bishop on d3, and short castling keep the initiative.
- Central space: The pawn on e4 and pieces on active squares make it harder for Black to break with …d5.
- For Black
- Flexible pawn breaks: …e5, …d6, or delayed …d5 can be chosen according to circumstances.
- Queenside counterplay: …b5 followed by …Bb7 and rook lifts target c3 and the long diagonal.
- Piece regrouping: The queen on c7 keeps tabs on e5 and c3, while knight maneuvers (…Nf6–d7) support the thematic …c5-c4 push.
Historical & Theoretical Significance
The Kan (named after Soviet master Ilya Kan) rose to prominence in the 1950s. The 6.Bd3 line became fashionable in the 1980s when players such as Gyula Sax and Lajos Portisch used it to sidestep the main-line theory jungle. Modern engines show the position to be dynamically balanced, but practical chances remain high because move-by-move accuracy is required from both sides.
Model Games
- Portisch – Beliavsky, Monte Carlo 1984 (White’s kingside pressure netted a textbook attack after 11.f4).
- Caruana – Gelfand, Shamkir 2014 (Black demonstrated robust defence; after …d6 b5 the queenside initiative neutralised White’s edge).
- Mamedyarov – Karjakin, Russian Team Ch. 2015 (A sharp double-sacrifice on e6 and h7 showed the attacking potential of the setup).
Typical Plans & Tactics
- Bxh7+ sacrifice White can play 0-0, Qe2, and sometimes f4–f5, setting up a classic Greek Gift if …Nf6 0-0 Be7 Re8 leaves h7 under-defended.
- …b5 break Black’s queenside push gains time on the c3-knight and opens the b-file for rooks, counterbalancing White’s kingside play.
- Central explosions Either side may choose e4-e5 or …d6-d5. Precise timing often decides whether the centre opens favourably.
Interesting Facts
- Ilya Kan reportedly preferred the line because it avoided forced draws in the Najdorf while preserving Sicilian counter-punching spirit.
- The queen sortie to c7 on move five makes the Kan the only Sicilian main line where Black develops the queen before both kingside minor pieces.
- Engines give a “cold” evaluation close to equality, yet the player-two win rate in databases is above 40 %, reflecting practical counterplay for Black.