Sicilian Kan Variation - 5.Nc3 Qc7 6.Be2 Nf6 7.O-O

Sicilian Defense: Kan Variation – Main Line 5.Nc3 Qc7 6.Be2 Nf6 7.O-O

Definition

The Kan (or “Paulsen”) Variation is a branch of the Sicilian Defense that arises after the moves 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 a6. Black postpones the development of the kingside knight and dark-squared bishop, instead playing the flexible pawn move …a6. The specific main-line sequence 5.Nc3 Qc7 6.Be2 Nf6 7.O-O is one of the most frequently reached tabiyas of the Kan. Here, both sides have completed the first stage of development and must choose a middlegame plan.

Typical Move-Order

Standard algebraic notation:

1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 a6 5. Nc3 Qc7 6. Be2 Nf6 7. O-O

Strategic Ideas

• Black’s Flexibility. By delaying …Nf6 and …d6, Black keeps options open: a later …e6–e5 strike, a …d6 followed by …b5, or even …d5 in one go if circumstances allow.
• Control of d5. The queen on c7 and pawn on a6 support …b5, which in turn buttresses the vital …d5 break. White, for his part, often aims for Nb3, f4, and a central e4–e5 thrust to clamp the square.
• Piece Placement. • Black generally develops with …Be7, …d6, and …Nbd7, retaining a Scheveningen-style structure. • White’s Be2 keeps the g4-square free for a potential pawn storm (f3–g4) or fast castling; the bishop can redeploy to f3 or g2 later.
• Pawn Structures. The Kan can transpose to Scheveningen, Taimanov, or even Hedgehog structures depending on Black’s next moves (…d6 vs. …d5 and …b5).

Historical Context

The variation is named after Soviet master Ilya Kan, who employed it with success in the 1930s–50s. Earlier, Louis Paulsen explored similar setups, hence the alternative name “Paulsen Sicilian.” Modern elite players—Sergey Tiviakov is the most dedicated specialist, while Magnus Carlsen, Viswanathan Anand, and Levon Aronian use it occasionally—value the Kan for its psychological surprise and structural flexibility.

Model Game

Black demonstrates the …b5 and …d5 plan:

Tiviakov–Bacrot, Elista Olympiad 1998 – Black equalized comfortably out of the opening and later won.

Alternative Plans for White

• 8.f4 – The sharp “Keres Attack” approach, aiming for e4–e5 and kingside space.
• 8.Nb3 followed by g3 & Bg2 – Transposes to a positional Hedgehog.
• 8.Be3 and **Qf3/ Qe1** – A slower build-up, sometimes with long castling in mind.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Grandmaster Sergey Tiviakov once went 54 classical games without a single loss with the Kan, a modern record.
• The line was part of the Kasparov vs. Deep Blue opening repertoire files, but the computer never got to play it in the 1997 match.
• Because the queen comes to c7 so early, Kan aficionados jokingly call the move “the Kan opener”—ready to “open” new files only when the position is ripe.

Practical Tips

1. After 7.O-O, memorize key pawn breaks rather than concrete move orders; transpositions are common.
2. When playing Black, delay …d6 if you intend …d5 in one move; when White, hinder …d5 by keeping a knight on d4 or playing a timely e4-e5.
3. Watch for tactical shots on e6 once the center opens; the queen on c7 defends but can become overloaded.

Summary

The sequence 5.Nc3 Qc7 6.Be2 Nf6 7.O-O positions both sides for a rich middlegame where plans outweigh memorization. Its blend of solidity and counter-punching appeal makes the Kan a perennial weapon at every rating level.