Sicilian: Taimanov, 6.Be2 a6 7.O-O Nf6

Sicilian Defense: Taimanov Variation – 6.Be2 a6 7.O-O Nf6

Definition

The sequence 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nc6 5.Nc3 Qc7 6.Be2 a6 7.O-O Nf6 is a branch of the Sicilian Defense known as the Taimanov Variation. In this line Black delays early …Nf6 (typical of many Sicilians) in order to keep options flexible, especially regarding the pawn thrust …d7-d5. The inclusion of 6.Be2 signals that White prefers a solid setup over sharper alternatives such as 6.Be3 or 6.g3.

Typical Move Order

The core tabiya (reference position) arises after:

1. e4 c5
2. Nf3 e6
3. d4 cxd4
4. Nxd4 Nc6
5. Nc3 Qc7
6. Be2 a6
7. O-O Nf6

Black’s seventh-move knight development finally challenges the e4-pawn and prepares kingside castling, while …a6 restrains White’s pieces from b5 and keeps the c6-knight safe.

Strategic Themes

• Control of d5: Both sides vie for the d5-square. Black often strives for …d5 breaks, while White tries to prevent or profit from them.
• Flexible pawn structures: Because Black delays an early …Nf6 and …d6, he can choose between …d5 (French-style) or …d6 setups (Scheveningen-style) depending on White’s next moves.
• Bishop placement: White’s 6.Be2 is modest but solid, keeping the bishop safe from assault and retaining options for kingside attacks (e.g., f2-f4, Qe1-g3).
• Minor-piece battles: The c6-knight, e6-pawn, and g7-bishop (after …g6 or …Be7) form the backbone of Black’s position, while White’s Nd4 and Nc3 coordinate to exert central pressure.

Plans for White

• Quiet central pressure: 8.Be3 followed by f4/Kh1/Qe1 is a common plan, aiming for an eventual e4-e5 break or kingside expansion.
• Queenside castling deferred: Unlike the 6.Be3 English Attack, White usually keeps the king on g1 and concentrates on slow buildup.
• Minor-piece exchanges: Trading on c6 (Bxc6 or Nxc6) can inflict structural damage on Black and make …d5 harder to achieve.

Plans for Black

• …d5 in one go: If White is careless, Black can equalize immediately with …d5, liberating the position.
• Scheveningen transposition: Playing …d6, …Be7, and …O-O results in a solid, well-known structure with the bishop on e7 or sometimes g7 via …g6.
• Minor-piece maneuvers: …Be7, …d6, …b5, and …Bb7 aim for strong long-diagonal pressure. Alternatively, …Bb4 can pin the c3-knight and speed up …d5.

Historical Background & Notable Practitioners

The variation is named after Soviet Grandmaster Mark Taimanov, an elite player of the 1950s-70s who made the flexible move …Qc7 a trademark. Although Bobby Fischer defeated Taimanov 6-0 in the 1971 Candidates Match, the opening itself survived and thrived. Modern adherents include Vishy Anand, Anish Giri, and Levon Aronian, all of whom appreciate its blend of solidity and counter-punching chances.

Illustrative Game

The following miniature shows Black successfully achieving …d5 and freeing his position:

Interesting Facts

• Move-order subtleties: Black can reach the same position via 5…a6 6.Be2 Qc7, keeping White guessing whether a Kan or Taimanov is on the board.
• Engine approval: Modern engines rate the line as one of the few Sicilian branches where Black can play for a win with acceptable risk even against perfect play.
• Fischer’s choice—against it! Fischer famously preferred 6.Be2 against the Taimanov when he played White, reflecting its reputation as a practical, low-risk weapon.

Contemporary Evaluation

At grandmaster level the line is considered theoretically sound for both sides. The critical tests usually revolve around quick f4-f5 pushes or early Qe1-g3 ideas for White, while Black aims for timely …d5 breaks or improved versions of the Scheveningen. Databases show an almost even score, underscoring its continuing relevance.