Sicilian: Taimanov, 5.c4 Nf6 6.Nc3 Bb4

Sicilian Defense: Taimanov Variation – 5.c4 Nf6 6.Nc3 Bb4

Definition

The sequence of moves 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nc6 5. c4 Nf6 6. Nc3 Bb4 defines a sharp branch of the Sicilian Defense, classified in modern opening tables as a sub-variation of the Taimanov (ECO code most often B48/B49). By inserting the early pawn thrust 5.c4 White establishes a Maroczy-type bind, while Black replies with …Nf6 and the immediate pin …Bb4. The result is an asymmetrical struggle in which both sides fight for control of the central light squares d4 and e5.

Typical Move Order

The most common path is:

• 1. e4 c5
• 2. Nf3 e6
• 3. d4 cxd4
• 4. Nxd4 Nc6 (Black postpones …d6 and keeps the c8-bishop flexible.)
• 5. c4 (White clamps the center; this move also sidesteps the heavily analysed 5.Nc3 lines.)
• …Nf6 (eyeing e4 and encouraging natural development rather than the immediate 5…Qb6)
• 6. Nc3 Bb4 (the Taimanov-Paulsen bishop pin, increasing pressure on d4 and c3)

Transpositions from related systems—especially the Paulsen and Kan Sicilians—are common, depending on whether Black later plays …Qc7, …d6, or …a6.

Strategic Themes

• White’s Maroczy Bind. The pawn on c4 restricts …d5 and …b5, aiming for long-term space and control of the central dark squares.
• Black’s Light-Square Counterplay. The pin …Bb4 forces either a2–a3, Bd2, or the capture 7.Nxc6 bxc6. Each choice gives Black targets: doubled c-pawns, weakened dark squares, or a chance to break with …d5.
• Delayed Castling. Black often withholds king safety to keep options open, sometimes even playing …Bb4xc3 + …d5 before committing the king to either side.
• Central Breaks. The thematic pawn break for Black is …d5; for White, expanding with e5 or f4 can seize the initiative if Black hesitates.

Historical Background

The line carries the name of Soviet GM Mark Taimanov, who championed the flexible Sicilian move order with …Nc6 and …Qc7 in the 1950s–1970s. The specific 5.c4 variation became fashionable in the 1990s when elite players such as Vladimir Kramnik, Viswanathan Anand, and Peter Leko refined the resulting positions with deep computer preparation. The bishop-pin idea 6…Bb4 was already known from Paulsen’s 19th-century analyses, but modern engines confirmed its tactical soundness against the Maroczy structure.

Illustrative Game

Anand – Kramnik, Wijk aan Zee 1996 displayed the dynamic potential for both sides. After

Black equalised by striking in the centre with …d5 and later capitalised on the exposed white c- and d-pawns. The game ended in a perpetual, underscoring the line’s balanced but double-edged nature.

Typical Plans and Ideas

1. White: 7.Nc2. Reinforces d4, maintains the Maroczy grip, and keeps minor pieces on the board. The game often revolves around slow manoeuvring with Be2, Be3, O-O, f4.
2. White: 7.Nxc6 bxc6 8.Bd3. Eliminate the pin at the cost of handing Black the bishop pair and a semi-open b-file; White banking on control of d5.
3. Black: …d5 Break. After preparatory moves like …Qc7, …d6, or even immediate 7…d5!, Black challenges the bind head-on.
4. Black: Minority Attack. In structures with doubled c-pawns, Black may advance …b5-b4 to undermine c3 and d4.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Mark Taimanov considered the 5.c4 variation “one of the most annoying ways to meet the Sicilian,” yet it now carries his own name because it emerges from his move-order philosophy.
• Because White has already committed the c-pawn to c4, the fashionable English Attack (with Be3, f3, g4, Qd2) is impossible, steering the game toward positional rather than purely attacking channels.
• Engines suggest the radical pawn sacrifice 7.f3!? in some positions—an idea discovered in correspondence games and now seen in high-level correspondence databases.
• The line remains a favourite surprise weapon at top level. Magnus Carlsen twice chose the 5.c4 system (though not 6…Bb4) during the 2021 Meltwater Tour, citing its “annoying solidity” against well-prepared Sicilian specialists.