Sicilian: Kan, 5.Nc3 b5 6.Bd3

Sicilian: Kan, 5.Nc3 b5 6.Bd3

Definition

The line arises from the Sicilian Defence, Kan Variation: 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 a6 5. Nc3 b5 6. Bd3. After Black’s trademark ...b5 thrust, White develops the king’s-bishop to d3 instead of the more common e2 or c4 squares. 6.Bd3 simultaneously:

• Eyes the sensitive h7–square, echoing the attacking setups of the Sozin against the Najdorf.
• Supports a central pawn storm with e4–e5.
• Leaves the dark-squared bishop free to contest the long diagonal later with Bf1–e2 or g2.

Strategic Ideas

For White:

• Quick development and early castling; O-O, f4 and sometimes e5 are on the agenda.
• Use the bishop on d3 together with the queen (often on e2 or g4) to generate mating threats on the kingside.
• Undermine Black’s queenside space with a2–a4, targeting the advanced b-pawn.
• In some lines Nf3–e2–g3 reroutes the knight toward f5 and h6.

For Black:

• Rapid piece mobilisation: ...Bb7, ...Nf6, ...Qc7 and flexible pawn breaks with ...d6 or ...d5.
• Maintain the queenside spearhead on b5–b4 to dislodge the white c3-knight and seize dark-square control.
• If allowed, a6–a5–b4 can create a durable minority attack against White’s c3/d4 structure.
• The thematic central break ...d5 (often after ...Qc7 and ...Nf6) can equalise dynamically.

Usage and Popularity

Although less theoretical than the 6.Be2 or 6.Bd3 lines in the Taimanov, 6.Bd3 in the Kan has enjoyed occasional outings by top grandmasters looking to sidestep mountains of Najdorf theory while still fighting for the initiative. Players such as Fabiano Caruana, Shakhriyar Mamedyarov and Alexei Shirov have tested it in elite events.

[[Chart|Rating|classical|1990-2023]]

Critical Continuations

1. 6...Bb7 7.O-O Nf6 8.Re1 d6 – the main battleground, with mutual chances.
2. 6...Qb6 – immediately pressuring d4; White may reply 7.Nf3 or 7.Be3.
3. 6...d6 7.O-O Nf6 8.f4 Qb6+ – a sharper branch where Black tests the exposed white king.

Illustrative Mini-Game

The following rapid game displays typical motifs:

White’s 13.Qh5!? and 16.Bxh7+ demonstrate the latent kingside pressure that justifies 6.Bd3, while Black’s ...b4 and ...d5 plans are also on display.

Historical & Anecdotal Notes

• The line first caught theoretical attention after Fischer toyed with Bd3 ideas versus the Kan in simultaneous exhibitions during the early 1960s.
• Because the bishop’s placement mimics the Sozin (Bxc4) themes, some analysts dub it the “Sozin-Kan Hybrid.”
• Modern engines evaluate the position as roughly equal but highly unbalanced, making it a favourite surprise weapon in must-win situations.

Key Takeaways

• 6.Bd3 is a principled, aggressive alternative that keeps theory light and the position rich.
• Both sides must balance kingside tension with queenside pawn races—typical Sicilian double-edged play.
• Understanding plans (pawn storms, piece reroutes, central breaks) outweighs rote memorisation of variations.