Sicilian: Taimanov, 5...a6 6.Be2 Nf6
Sicilian: Taimanov, 5…a6 6.Be2 Nf6
Definition
The sequence of moves 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nc6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Be2 Nf6 constitutes a branch of the Sicilian Defence known as the Taimanov Variation with the specific sub-line 5…a6 6.Be2 Nf6. While the pure Taimanov usually features the move …Qc7 on move five, Black instead plays …a6 first—borrowing a touch of flexibility from the Kan Variation—before developing the king’s knight to f6 on move six. ECO codes most commonly encountered are B48–B49.
How It Is Used in Play
Black’s move-order has three principal aims:
- Restricting White’s minor pieces. By playing …a6, Black prevents Nb5 ideas (harassing …Qc7 or …Bd6) and prepares …b5 to gain queenside space.
- Maintaining move-order flexibility. Delaying …Qc7 keeps options open for …Nf6, …Bb4, or even an early …d6, allowing Black to transpose into Scheveningen-style setups if desired.
- Rapid development. The immediate …Nf6 hits the e4-pawn and encourages White to clarify the central tension (usually with Be2 or Nxc6).
Typical Plans
- For Black
- Break with …d5 in one go if tactical conditions permit (a classical Taimanov motif).
- Alternatively adopt a Scheveningen structure with …d6, then regroup the pieces behind a robust “small centre.”
- Expand on the queenside via …b5-b4, especially after castling short.
- For White
- Choose between quiet development (Be2, 0-0, Kh1, f4) or more aggressive setups with f4, Be3, Qd2, and a possible long castle.
- Exploit the temporary lack of pressure on the d4-knight to seize central space with f4 or Nxc6 followed by e5.
- Keep an eye on the d6-square; a knight landing there can cripple Black’s coordination.
Historical & Strategic Significance
The move …a6 in conjunction with …Nc6 was popularised by the Soviet grandmaster Mark Taimanov in the 1950s–60s. He aimed to create a universal Sicilian system usable against a variety of White setups while avoiding early commitment. Modern grandmasters such as Peter Svidler, Alexei Shirov, and Anish Giri have all employed the line with success.
From a theoretical standpoint, 5…a6 is considered sound: the pawn move does not weaken Black’s centre, and the resulting structures often transpose to better-known Scheveningen or Kan positions—making it a valuable surprise weapon.
Illustrative Game
M. Taimanov – S. Furman, USSR Championship 1964
A model demonstration of Black’s flexibility:
Example Position After 6…Nf6
Material is level, and both sides have developed three minor pieces: Black’s main decision is whether to continue with …Qc7 or …Bb4.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Mark Taimanov was not only a top ten grandmaster but also a concert-level pianist; his preference for flexible, harmonious piece play is often compared to a well-orchestrated musical score.
- World Champion Magnus Carlsen revived this move-order in rapid and blitz events around 2018, appreciating its combative yet low-maintenance nature.
- The hybrid nature (Taimanov + Kan) sometimes leads databases to mis-classify the ECO code, prompting humorous debates among theoreticians about whether the line should be called “Taikan” or “Kaimanov.”
Key Takeaways
- The move …a6 gains space and curbs Nb5 while staying non-committal.
- 6…Nf6 pressures e4 immediately and prepares castling without conceding central squares.
- The resulting middlegames are rich in strategic themes and suit versatile players who enjoy switching between Scheveningen and Taimanov plans.