Sicilian: Taimanov 5...a6 6.g3 d6
Sicilian: Taimanov, 5...a6 6.g3 d6
Definition
The phrase “Sicilian: Taimanov, 5…a6 6.g3 d6” refers to a branch of the Taimanov
Variation of the Sicilian Defence. The basic move-order is:
Typical Move-Order and Transpositions
The sequence can arise from several different Taimanov paths:
- 5…a6 is the signature Taimanov move.
- 6.g3 deviates from the more common 6.Be3 or 6.Nxc6. By preparing Bg2, White slows the game and builds long-term pressure on the half-open c-file and the long diagonal.
- 6…d6 creates a Scheveningen “small centre” (pawns on e6-d6) while leaving Black’s dark-squared bishop and queen knights free to choose squares later. Depending on how Black follows up (…Nf6, …Nge7, …Qc7, …Bd7 or even …h5!?) the position can transpose to Scheveningen, Kan, or Hedgehog systems.
Strategic Ideas
- For White
- King-side fianchetto (Bg2) presses along the long diagonal and strengthens the king’s fortress for a possible middlegame pawn storm with f4–f5.
- A typical plan is Be3, Qe2, 0-0-0 followed by f4 or sometimes c4 aiming for a Maroczy Bind structure.
- The Nb1–d2–c4 manoeuvre frequently supports e4–e5 breaks or queenside pressure on b6 and d6.
- For Black
- The flexible pawn chain e6-d6 keeps the center compact, allowing either …Nf6 with short castling or …Nge7 with long castling and a counter-punch on the c- and b-files.
- Typical lever …b5 drives the knight from c4 and seizes queenside space.
- Black often delays …Nf6 to avoid e4–e5 or Bg5 pins, first improving his minor pieces with …Be7, …Nge7, and only later …0-0.
Historical Background
Mark Taimanov, Soviet grandmaster and concert pianist, popularised the 5…a6 move order in the 1950s–60s. The specific g3 line became fashionable in the 1970s when players such as Bent Larsen and Ljubomir Ljubojević searched for quieter, strategic ways to combat the sharp main lines with Be3 and long-castle opposite-wing attacks. Modern elite grandmasters—including Magnus Carlsen—occasionally adopt the system as a low-theory weapon. ECO codes usually file the line under B46.
Illustrative Game
Below is a concise classical example in which White demonstrates the plans of the g3 system while Black follows the …d6 setup:
[[Pgn|Ivanchuk,Vassily (2730)|Grischuk,Alexander (2695)|Corus|2002| 1.e4|c5|2.Nf3|e6|3.d4|cxd4|4.Nxd4|Nc6|5.Nc3|a6|6.g3|d6|7.Bg2|Nf6|8.0-0|Qc7| 9.Nxc6|bxc6|10.f4|Be7|11.g4|Nd7|12.g5|Bb7|13.Qg4|d5|14.Kh1|d4|15.Ne2|c5| 16.Ng3|g6|17.f5|exf5|18.exf5|Bxg2+|19.Kxg2|Qc6+|20.Qe4+|Qxe4+|21.Nxe4|0-1]]The game shows how the structure can quickly transform from positional to tactical; one inaccuracy (17…g6?!) let White seize the attack, but Grischuk’s precise counter sacrificed material to exploit the weakened white king.
Common Tactical Motifs
- Exchange sacrifice on c3 (…Rxc3) when White castles queenside.
- …d5 central break—often prepared by …Qc7 and …Nf6–g4 to hit e4.
- Hedgehog pawn breaks …b5 and …d5 leveraging the backward d6 pawn as a tactical resource.
- Greek Gift opportunities (Bxh7+) occasionally appear if Black lags in kingside development.
Modern Practice and Statistics
Database surveys show that after 6.g3 d6, results are fairly balanced: White scores roughly 53 % and Black 47 % on games above 2400 FIDE. The line is popular in rapid and blitz where its flexibility pays dividends: .
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Mark Taimanov once said he liked 5…a6 because “it gives Black a chance to decide what he wants to be when he grows up.” The idea of delaying the light-squared bishop’s development influenced future openings such as the Kan and Hedgehog.
- The 6.g3 line featured in the training games of the AlphaZero project; the AI particularly liked slow space-gaining plans with f4-f5.
- Grandmaster Sergey Tiviakov, a lifelong Taimanov specialist with , once scored 23-0 as Black in the variation from 2004–2006, earning the tongue-in-cheek nickname “Mr. 5…a6.”
When to Employ It
Choose the 6.g3 d6 Taimanov if you:
- Prefer strategic play over immediate forcing theory.
- Enjoy Scheveningen pawn structures but want to avoid the hottest main lines (English Attack, Keres Attack).
- Play faster time controls, where opponents may be unsure of exact piece placement against the fianchetto.
Summary
The Taimanov with 5…a6 6.g3 d6 blends the flexibility of the Scheveningen with the dynamic potential of the Taimanov move-order. Both sides must master subtle manoeuvres before unleashing central or flank breaks that can radically change the character of the game. Its relative theoretical lightness and rich middlegame ideas guarantee it will remain a practical and intriguing choice for players from club level to elite tournaments.