Sicilian: Taimanov 5...a6 6.Be3 Nf6
Sicilian: Taimanov, 5...a6 6.Be3 Nf6
Definition
The line 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nc6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Be3 Nf6 belongs to the Taimanov Variation of the Sicilian Defence. The critical position is reached after Black’s sixth move, …Nf6, which develops a piece while increasing pressure on the e4-pawn and preparing …Bb4 or …d5. The sequence is catalogued by the ECO as B48–B49, with this exact move order often appearing under B48.
Move Order & Typical Tabiya
Starting position (after 6…Nf6):
Important move-order subtleties:
- 5…a6 is the hallmark of the Taimanov, preventing Nb5 ideas and retaining flexibility in the c8-bishop’s development.
- 6.Be3 is the most popular reply, aiming for the English Attack setup with f3, Qd2, 0-0-0, and g4.
- 6…Nf6 immediately challenges the e4-pawn; if 7.Nxc6, Black recaptures with the b-pawn, opening the b-file for counterplay.
Strategic Ideas for Black
- Central Break …d5: With the pawn still on e6, Black can often equalize swiftly by striking in the center.
- Queenside Expansion: Moves like …b5 and …Bb7 put pressure on e4 and prepare …b4 to chase the c3-knight.
- Piece Activity: The Taimanov keeps both bishops flexible; the light-squared bishop may develop to b4, c5, or even e7 depending on White’s setup.
Strategic Ideas for White
- English Attack Setup: f3, Qd2, 0-0-0, and an eventual g4–g5 create a dangerous kingside initiative.
- Clamp on d5: By maintaining a knight on d4 and sometimes supporting it with c4, White tries to inhibit …d5.
- Minor-Piece Pressure: The Be3 (sometimes followed by Bg5) eyes the d8-queen and f6-knight, which can tie Black down.
Historical Significance
The Taimanov Variation is named after Soviet GM Mark Taimanov, who championed this flexible setup in the 1950s–1970s. Its reputation rose during the Karpov–Kasparov era as a sound alternative to the Najdorf and Scheveningen without committing Black’s kingside prematurely.
Example Games
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Karpov – Taimanov, USSR Ch 1964 (1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nc6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Be3 Nf6 …) — Taimanov demonstrated the …Bb4 and …d5 plan to neutralize Karpov’s queenside castling ambitions.
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Carlsen – Gelfand, Tal Memorial 2012 (Carlsen employed 7.Nxc6, steering the game into a positional struggle; Gelfand countered with …bxc6 and a timely …d5 to hold equality).
Typical Tactical Motifs
- …Bb4 Pin: After 7.Be2, Black can play …Bb4, pinning the c3-knight and threatening …Nxe4.
- Exchange Sac on c3: In some lines Black sacrifices a rook with …Bxc3+ and …Nxe4 to shatter White’s pawn structure and seize the initiative.
- Pawn Storm Race: Once opposite-side castling occurs, both players push pawns (g- and h-pawns for White, a- and b-pawns for Black) leading to sharp, double-edged play.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Mark Taimanov preferred flexible structures; he famously said that in the Sicilian, “tempo is more precious than material.”
- Kasparov used the Taimanov only once in a classical game (vs. Beliavsky, Linares 1992) but scored a quick win thanks to a prepared novelty involving …h5!?
- Modern engines rate the 6…Nf6 line as fully playable; in elite practice it serves as a surprise weapon against the deeply analysed Najdorf and Kan systems.
When to Choose this Line
Opt for 6…Nf6 if you:
- Enjoy dynamic but sound Sicilian positions.
- Prefer to delay a commitment of the c8-bishop.
- Wish to keep open the possibility of an early …d5 or a quick queenside pawn roller with …b5.