Sicilian: Taimanov 5.c4 Nf6 6.Nc3 Bb4 7.Nxc6 bxc6
Sicilian Defense: Taimanov Variation, English 5.c4 Nf6 6.Nc3 Bb4 7.Nxc6 bxc6
Definition
The line 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nc6 5.c4 Nf6 6.Nc3 Bb4 7.Nxc6 bxc6 is a branch of the Sicilian Defense known as the Taimanov Variation with the English (or Maroczy-Bind) move order. The critical position is reached after White captures on c6 and Black recaptures with the b-pawn, yielding the diagram below.
Move Order & Naming
- Taimanov: Characterised by 2…e6 and 4…Nc6 with an early …Qc7 (often delayed in this sub-variation).
- English/Maroczy 5.c4: White clamps down on the central dark squares, reminiscent of the English Opening.
- 7.Nxc6 bxc6: Defining trade. Black accepts doubled c-pawns to keep the bishop pair and open the b-file.
Strategic Features
- Pawn Structure
- Black: Doubled c-pawns (c6 & c5 after …d6 …c5) plus half-open b-file.
- White: Maroczy pawn duo on e4–c4 restrains …d5 and …b5 breaks.
- Piece Play
- Black’s light-squared bishop on b4 forces concessions or exchanges and can later retreat to e7 or take on c3.
- The bishop pair gives Black latent dynamic potential once the position opens.
- Plans for White
- Maintain the bind with Be2, 0-0, Qe2, Rd1, f4 where appropriate.
- Target the c6 pawn via Qa4, Be3, Rd1 and sometimes sacrifice pressure on d6.
- Plans for Black
- Break the bind with …d5 or …b5 (often prepared with …Qa5, …Ba6, …Rb8).
- Create counterplay on the half-open b-file against b2.
- Hedgehog set-ups (…d6, …Be7, …0-0, …Re8, …Bf8-g7) are common if direct breaks are delayed.
Historical Context
GM Mark Taimanov popularised the parent variation in the 1950s-60s, striving for flexible Sicilian positions without the immediate theoretical minefields of the Najdorf or Scheveningen. The specific 5.c4 line gained prominence in the 1980s when players such as Ulf Andersson and John Nunn explored positional ways to tame the Sicilian. Today it appears occasionally at top level as a surprise weapon; e.g. Magnus Carlsen used it in rapid play vs Bu Xiangzhi, 2018.
Illustrative Games
-
Garry Kasparov – Mark Taimanov, USSR ChT 1981
Kasparov employed 8.Qf3, squeezed space, and eventually broke through on the kingside while Black’s doubled c-pawns proved weak. -
Fabiano Caruana – Pentala Harikrishna, Wijk aan Zee 2015
Black broke with the thematic …d5 under excellent preparation and equalised comfortably, showing the dynamic potential of the structure.
Typical Tactical Motifs
- …Nxe4 tricks: If White’s queen leaves the e4-pawn loose, …Nxe4 …Qxe4 …Bxc3+ wins material.
- Exchange sacrifice on c3: …Bxc3+ followed by …Nxe4 can shatter White’s centre.
- Back-rank themes: The half-open b-file often yields tactics such as …Rxb2 or …Qxb2 mate nets.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Although many textbooks call it the “English Variation,” Mark Taimanov once joked that “it speaks fluent Russian—most of its first successes were scored in Soviet events.”
- The move 5.c4 scored ≈56 % for White in databases from 2000-2023, but after the forcing 7…bxc6 Black’s practical results improve significantly, illustrating the value of concrete knowledge.
- A modern engine trend is to delay 6.Nc3 and play 6.e5!?, a move championed by correspondence grandmasters seeking to sidestep 6…Bb4 lines altogether.
When to Choose This Line
Opt for 5.c4 Nf6 6.Nc3 Bb4 7.Nxc6 bxc6 if you:
- Enjoy strategic clamps and out-manoeuvring rather than immediate tactical slugfests (as White).
- Are comfortable playing against a Maroczy structure and value the bishop pair and dynamic breaks (as Black).
- Seek a relatively off-beat yet sound alternative to Najdorf/Scheveningen main-lines.