Sicilian: Taimanov, 5.Nxc6
Sicilian: Taimanov, 5.Nxc6
Definition
The line “Sicilian: Taimanov, 5.Nxc6” is a branch of the Taimanov Variation of the Sicilian Defence that arises after the moves: 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nc6 5. Nxc6. Here White immediately captures the knight on c6 instead of the more common 5.Nc3, giving the position its distinctive character. In ECO codes it is generally classified under B47.
Typical Move-Order
A main line might unfold as follows:
- e4 c5
- Nf3 e6
- d4 cxd4
- Nxd4 Nc6
- Nxc6 bxc6
- Bd3 d5
After 5…bxc6 Black obtains the bishop pair and half-open b-file at the cost of doubled c-pawns; White has eliminated the flexible knight on c6 and aims to exploit the slightly weakened pawn structure.
Strategic Themes
- Doubled c-Pawns: White’s capture saddles Black with c6- and c5-pawns (after …c5 later on). These can become long-term targets.
- Bishop Pair vs. Structure: Black’s bishops enjoy open diagonals (especially after …d5 breaks), frequently compensating for the pawn weakness.
- Central Tension: Black often strikes with …d5, equalising space and freeing the light-squared bishop. White decides whether to meet this with e4-e5 (gaining space) or to exchange in the centre, playing against the pawn majority.
- Development Race: Because neither side has committed the queen or kingside pieces early, the ensuing positions can pivot from calm structural play to sharp attacks, especially if Black castles queenside.
Historical Context
The Taimanov Variation is named for Soviet grandmaster and pianist
Mark Taimanov, who developed the system in the 1950s and
60s. While most of his analyses focused on 5.Nc3, the immediate
5.Nxc6 has been a respected sideline since the 1970s and has
periodically resurfaced at top level as a surprise weapon.
Model Game
[[Pgn| e4|c5|Nf3|e6|d4|cxd4|Nxd4|Nc6|Nxc6|bxc6|Bd3|d5|O-O|Nf6|Nd2|Be7|Re1|O-O|e5|Nd7|Qg4 |fen|r1bq1rk1/pp2bppp/2p2n2/3ppP2/6Q1/3B4/PP1N1P1P/R1B1R1K1|arrows|d5d4|squares|c6]]Caruana–Vachier-Lagrave, Bundesliga 2016, illustrates modern handling. Black’s active bishops and the break …d5 counterbalance structural weaknesses; the game was eventually drawn after lively play.
Practical Tips
- For White: Keep pieces on the board; exchanging too many minor pieces can ease Black’s task of protecting the c-pawns.
- For Black: Timely …d5 is critical—delaying it can leave the light-squared bishop passive and the pawn chain vulnerable.
- Both sides should monitor the b-file: Black may play …Rb8 and …Bb4, while White sometimes uses Rb1 to target b7 after inducing …b6.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Mark Taimanov famously lost his Candidates match 0–6 to Fischer in 1971, yet his opening legacy—including this variation—thrives at every level of play.
- Grandmaster Judit Polgár used 5.Nxc6 to defeat Sergey Karjakin (Biel 2003), showcasing its attacking potential when Black mishandles the centre.
- Computers initially disliked Black’s doubled pawns, but modern engines now evaluate the positions as roughly equal, emphasising activity over structure—an instructive shift for human players.