Sicilian: Taimanov, 5.Nc3 Bb4

Sicilian Defense: Taimanov Variation, 5.Nc3 Bb4

Definition

The sequence 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nc6 5.Nc3 Bb4 is a branch of the Sicilian Defense, Taimanov Variation. Black’s fifth-move bishop sortie to b4 pins the c3-knight, increases pressure on the e4-pawn, and temporarily restricts White’s center. It is sometimes called the “Pin Variation” of the Taimanov.

Typical Move Order

The line usually appears via:

1. e4  c5
2. Nf3  e6
3. d4  cxd4
4. Nxd4  Nc6
5. Nc3  Bb4

Note that the Taimanov set-up is defined by …e6 and …Nc6; Black keeps the option of …d6 or …d5 and chooses where to develop the dark-squared bishop. The immediate 5…Bb4 is a sharp way to seize the initiative.

Strategic Ideas

• Pressure on e4: By pinning the c3-knight, Black discourages White from playing f2-f4 or reinforcing the center with Nc3-d5.
• Flexible central breaks: Black can choose between …d5 (in one move or prepared by …a6 and …Nge7) or the more restrained …d6 followed by …Nf6.
• Queenside expansion: The bishop often retreats to e7 or c5 after …a6, lending support to the thematic …b5-b4 thrust.
• Structural decisions for White: White must decide whether to chase the bishop with 6.a3 (leading to the doubled-pawn structure after …Bxc3+) or allow the pin and continue development with 6.Be2 or 6.Ndb5.

Main Continuations

• 6.Ndb5 (Hübsch–Böhm plan)
  White threatens Nd6+. Black counters with 6…d6 or 6…Nf6 and typically aims for …Bxc3+ and …d5.
• 6.a3 Bxc3+ 7.bxc3 (Karpov system)
  White accepts doubled pawns but gains the bishop pair and a half-open b-file.
• 6.Be2 (Quiet line)
  White keeps the pawn structure intact, castles quickly, and later breaks with f4 or f5.

Plans for Both Sides

• White
  • Exploit the bishop pair after Bxc3+.
  • Advance the kingside pawns (f4–f5) to attack if Black delays castling.
  • Occupy d6 or e5 with a knight when possible.
• Black
  • Break in the center with …d5, equalizing space and freeing the light-squared bishop.
  • Use queenside majority with …b5–b4 to create counterplay.
  • Exchange a set of minor pieces to reduce White’s attacking chances.

Example Game

Shortened illustration (14 moves each). Notice how both sides follow the typical plans described above.

[[Pgn| 1.e4|c5| 2.Nf3|e6| 3.d4|cxd4| 4.Nxd4|Nc6| 5.Nc3|Bb4| 6.Ndb5|d6| 7.a3|Bxc3+| 8.Nxc3|Nf6| 9.Bf4|d5| 10.exd5|exd5| 11.Qe2+|Be6| 12.O-O-O|O-O| 13.Bg5|Re8| 14.Qf3 |fen| |arrows|c6e5,e6g4|squares|d5,e4 ]]

Historical Background

The Taimanov Variation is named after Soviet grandmaster Mark Taimanov, who began employing the flexible …e6/…Nc6 move order in the 1950s. Although Taimanov himself often preferred 5…d6, his system invited exploration of alternatives, and 5…Bb4 became popular through the games of Lev Polugaevsky and later Vassily Ivanchuk. At top level, the line has served as an occasional surprise weapon; e.g. Kasparov – Ivanchuk, Linares 1993, where Ivanchuk equalized comfortably before eventually losing a long endgame.

Modern Evaluation

Current engine evaluations regard 5…Bb4 as sound, scoring close to equality with accurate play. White retains a slight edge based on space and the potential bishop pair, but Black’s dynamic chances are fully adequate. The line is favored by players who like Najdorf-style activity without committing the pawn to …a6 immediately.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Grandmaster Alexei Shirov once described the 5…Bb4 pin as “a polite way of asking White how he intends to develop,” because it forces an early strategic decision.
• In correspondence chess, the critical lines with 6.Ndb5 have been analyzed beyond move 30, yet practical over-the-board games often diverge on move 10, leaving ample room for creativity.
• Some databases label the variation “Paulsen–Taimanov Hybrid”, reflecting its kinship with the Paulsen (…a6) and Kan (…a6, …e6) structures.
• Mark Taimanov’s score with his own opening at elite level was modest, but the system lives on in the repertoires of modern grandmasters such as Alireza Firouzja and Anish Giri.