Sicilian Kan: 5.Bd3 Qc7
Sicilian Defence: Kan Variation
Definition
The Kan Variation is a flexible branch of the Sicilian Defence that arises after the moves
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 a6.
Instead of the immediate …Nc6 or …d6 found in other Sicilians, Black with …a6 keeps options
open for the queenside knight and prevents White pieces from using the b5-square. The
variation is named after the Latvian-Russian master Ilya Kan (1909-1978), who employed it
regularly during the mid-20th century.
Typical Move Orders
- Main Line: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 a6
- Paulsen/Kan Hybrid: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 a6 5.Nc3 Qc7
- Accelerated move-order: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d3 a6 aiming for Kan structures while avoiding some sharp theory.
Strategic Ideas
- Flexible Pawn Structure: Black often delays …Nc6 and …d6, deciding instead whether to adopt a Scheveningen-style pawn centre (…e6 & …d6) or a Hedgehog (…e6, …d6, …b6, …Bb7).
- Minor-Piece Development: The b8-knight can head to c6, d7 or even a6. Bishops may fianchetto on b7 or settle on e7.
- Temporary Space Concession: By not occupying the centre immediately, Black counts on solid pawn structure and counter-play on the c- and d-files.
- White’s Choices: Classical setups with Nc3, Be2, 0-0; Maroczy Bind (with c4); or the aggressive 5.Bd3 and 5.c4 lines.
Historical Significance
Although Ilya Kan popularised the line, later grandmasters—most notably Anatoly Karpov, Vassily Ivanchuk, and current specialists like Sergei Rublevsky—demonstrated its resilience at the highest level. Because the Kan avoids some of the razor-sharp Najdorf and Dragon theory, it has remained a practical weapon for players who value flexibility over confrontation.
Illustrative Game
Karpov – Lautier, Linares 1994
Karpov employed the Maroczy structure against Lautier’s Kan and squeezed a positional win,
showcasing the bind that White can obtain if Black mishandles the break …d5.
Interesting Facts
- Ilya Kan preferred strategic lines over tactical mêlées, which was unusual for Sicilian aficionados of his era.
- The Kan is sometimes called the “Paulsen System” when Black later plays …Nc6 and …Qc7, blurring nomenclature for database users.
- The line has a reputation for being “the Sicilian for French-Defence players” because the pawn chain e6–d6 can mimic French-type structures.
5.Bd3 Qc7 in the Kan (Modern Scheveningen Setup)
Definition
After the canonical Kan moves
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 a6 5.Bd3, Black’s most frequent reply is
5…Qc7. This establishes a modern Scheveningen-style development while keeping an eye on
the e5-square and preparing …Nf6 and …d6.
Purpose of 5…Qc7
- Central Control: Reinforces the e5 break and overprotects c7, allowing the c-file to open later without tactical issues.
- Piece Development: Frees the d8-square for a rook or bishop and supports …Nf6 without fearing e5 forks.
- Provocation: Invites White to decide whether to castle quickly, play c4 (Maroczy Bind), or aim for an early f4.
Strategic Themes for Each Side
- White:
- Quick 0-0 and f4, seizing kingside space.
- Maroczy Bind plan with c4, restricting …d5.
- Tool-box manoeuvre Nd4–b3–d2 to reposition the knight behind the d3-bishop when needed.
- Black:
- Set up a Scheveningen wall with …d6, …Nf6 and possibly …Be7.
- Delayed …b5 push—supported by the initial …a6—to harass the d3-bishop and gain space on the queenside.
- Breaks in the centre with …d5 or …e5, often timed with …Be7, …0-0 and a well-placed rook on c8.
Typical Continuations
Main Line Sample – high-level reference game structure:
In this line, White castles first, Black develops naturally, and the tension over the d5 and e5 squares defines the middlegame plans.
Historical Example
Ivanchuk – Kramnik, Wijk aan Zee 1998
Ivanchuk unleashed 12.g4 in the above structure, showing how White can leverage the early
bishop on d3 for kingside fury. Kramnik neutralised the attack and later succeeded with a
central …d5 break, illustrating double-edged play.
Practical Tips
- For White: Remember that after 6.O-O Nf6 7.Qe2, the queen shields e4 and prepares c4 without hanging the e-pawn.
- For Black: Do not rush …b5 until you are safely castled; the queenside expansion can be refuted tactically if the back rank is weak.
- Knowing typical transpositions to the Scheveningen, Taimanov, or Hedgehog setups helps you pick plans rather than memorise long forcing lines.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Grandmaster Sergei Tiviakov once quipped, “If you do not know what Sicilian to play… play the Kan. 5…Qc7 does everything at once!”
- The quiet-looking 5.Bd3 line was a surprise weapon of Garry Kasparov in blitz sessions, where he aimed for quick f4-f5 storms.
- Engines show a near-equal evaluation, yet human statistics favour White by a small margin, largely due to superior familiarity with typical attacking themes.