Sicilian: 2...e6 3.Nc3 Nc6
Sicilian: 2...e6 3.Nc3 Nc6
Definition
The move-order 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. Nc3 Nc6 introduces a branch of the Sicilian Defence in which Black combines the …e6 set-up (typical of the Paulsen / Taimanov systems) with an early …Nc6. It is sometimes listed in databases as a Paulsen–Taimanov hybrid, while older literature calls it the Sicilian Four Knights (because after the common follow-up 4. d4 cxd4 5. Nxd4 both sides have developed their kingside knights and Black’s queen knight).
Move-Order and Transpositions
The position can be reached by several routes:
- 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 e6 transposing to the same tabiya.
- If White prefers 3. Bb5 (the Rossolimo) after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6, Black may decide whether to enter this line or avoid it with 3…a6.
- Against 3. d4 instead of 3. Nc3, Black can head into the pure Taimanov with 3…cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nc6.
This flexibility is one of Black’s great attractions: the exact flavour of Sicilian you reach (Taimanov, Kan, Four Knights, or even Scheveningen) can be tailored by move-order to the opponent.
Strategic Ideas
- Pawn Structure: Black keeps the central pawns on e6 and d7 for the moment, delaying …d5 or …d6 until the best moment. This gives a resilient “hedgehog-like” set-up once …d6 and …Qc7 are played.
- Piece Play: The development …Nc6, …Qc7, …Nf6, …d6 and sometimes …a6 & …b5 pressures the e4-pawn and prepares counterplay on the queenside.
- Flexibility vs. Time: Because Black has not committed the d-pawn, he can choose between …d6 plans (solid, Scheveningen-style) or the central break …d5 (Taimanov-style) if White allows it. In return, White enjoys a small lead in development and space after d4.
- Typical Minority Attacks: In many lines White castles queenside and storms the kingside with g4–g5, while Black answers with …b5–b4 followed by …d5.
Historical and Practical Significance
The line caught the eye of mid-20th-century Soviet theoreticians such as Evgeny Vasiukov and Alvis Vītoliņš. Later it became a regular feature in the arsenals of elite players:
- Anatoly Karpov used it to out-prepare opponents who feared his mainstay Scheveningen.
- Garry Kasparov wheeled it out in rapid/blitz events to avoid heavy Najdorf theory.
- Vishy Anand and Magnus Carlsen have both relied on it as a surprise weapon in World-Championship cycles.
Because it stands at the crossroads of several branches, opening encyclopaedias devote whole chapters to the transpositional nuances after 3…Nc6.
Illustrative Game
Karpov – Vasiukov, Moscow 1973
Karpov’s elegant pawn sacrifice 11.c5! demonstrates a key theme: White seizes space on the dark squares before Black finishes development.
Typical Plans for Both Sides
- White
- Push d4 quickly to open the centre while Black’s king is still in the middle.
- Castle queenside followed by f3, g4, h4 launching a kingside pawn storm.
- Occupy d6 with a knight if Black loosens the dark squares.
- Black
- Harmonious development: …Nf6, …d6, …a6, …Qc7, …Be7, then either …b5 or …d5 break.
- Exploit the semi-open c-file with …Rc8 against a white king on c1/c2.
- In some variations trade light-squared bishops (…Bb4) to reduce White’s attacking chances.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Because four knights can appear on their natural squares as early as move five,
the opening inspired Jonathan Rowson’s quip:
“
The Sicilian Four Knights is a gentleman’s Najdorf—sophisticated yet understated.
” - The structure often transposes to the Hedgehog; thus some theoreticians call it “Baby Hedgehog” when the d- and b-pawns advance later.
- Modern engines evaluate 3…Nc6 as almost exactly equal, but its labyrinth of branches still offers rich human play, which is why it remains popular in Rapid and Blitz, where surprise value matters.