Sicilian Kan: 5.Nc3 Qc7 6.Be2

Sicilian: Kan, 5.Nc3 Qc7 6.Be2

Definition

The sequence 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 a6 defines the Sicilian Defence, Kan Variation. After 5.Nc3 Qc7 6.Be2 we reach one of the most popular tabiyas of the line. The key characteristics are:

• Black’s early …a6 delays knight development, keeping the b5 square free for a pawn or bishop.
• …Qc7 supports …e6–e5 or …d7–d5 and prevents Nb5 ideas.
• White’s 6.Be2 is a restrained, “classical” development scheme, postponing the question of f2–f4 or f2–f3.

Typical Move Order

A common move order reaches the tabiya in six moves:

From here the main branches are:

1. 6…Nf6 7.0-0 Bb4 – the traditional Kan idea, pinning the knight and threatening …Bxc3.
2. 6…b5 7.0-0 Bb7 – Fischer’s favourite, expanding on the queenside before committing the kingside pieces.
3. 6…Nc6 7.0-0 Nf6 – transposes to a Scheveningen with …a6.

Strategic Themes

• Flexibility for Black. By not committing the g8-knight or d-pawn too early, Black can choose between …d5, …e5, or a pure queenside initiative with …b5.
• Scheveningen structure. After …e6 and …d6 the pawn structure resembles a Scheveningen, but the “extra” …a6 gives Black extra space and the option of …b5.
• White’s restrained set-up. The bishop on e2 keeps the f-pawn free for later f2-f4 or f2-f3, and avoids giving Black a target on c4 (common after 6.Be3).
• Minor-piece tension. A typical plan is Nb1–c3–b3 or f3, while Black aims for …Bb4, …Bb7, and exchanges that soften the d-file.

Historical Context

The Kan (named after Soviet master Ilya Kan) rose to prominence in the 1940s. The specific 5.Nc3 Qc7 6.Be2 line became fashionable in the 1960s when Bobby Fischer began using it with Black, notably defeating Miguel Najdorf at Havana 1965. Anatoly Karpov later adopted the system, appreciating its solidity. In modern play, elite grandmasters such as Fabiano Caruana, Sergey Karjakin, and Michael Adams continue to employ it when they wish to avoid the heavy theory of the Najdorf or Taimanov.

Illustrative Game

Fischer used the …b5 variation to spectacular effect:

Fischer – Gligorić, Havana (Capablanca Memorial) 1965
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 a6 5.Nc3 Qc7 6.Be2 b5 7.0-0 Bb7 8.Re1 Nf6 9.Bf1 d6 10.a4 b4 11.Na2 d5! 12.exd5 Bxd5 and Black equalised, later outplaying White in a classic endgame.

Practical Tips

• For White: Castle quickly. Plans include f2-f4 with a kingside advance, or Rf1 followed by f2-f3 and Be3/Qe1–g3 for a slow buildup.
• For Black: Decide early between …d6–d5 (central break) and …b5-b4 (queenside space). Avoid premature …Nf6 if you intend …d5, as e4-e5 can be annoying.
• Endgame equality. Many pieces often get exchanged; be ready to steer into equal endgames, a common outcome at top level.

Interesting Facts

• Bobby Fischer played the Kan five times in his 1972 World Championship match preparation, scoring four wins and one draw with Black in training games.
• The line is sometimes dubbed the “Fianchetto-less Kan” because White’s bishop stays on e2 instead of g2, keeping Black guessing.
• Chess engines initially underestimated Black’s queenside plans, but modern neural-network engines now rate the position as dynamically balanced.