Sicilian: Taimanov, 6.Be2 Nf6
Sicilian Defence: Taimanov Variation, 6.Be2 Nf6
Definition
The Taimanov is a branch of the Sicilian Defence that arises after the moves 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nc6 5.Nc3 Qc7. White’s reply 6.Be2, met by 6…Nf6, defines one of the main modern continuations. In Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO) it is catalogued under B47. The sequence leads to rich middlegame positions in which both sides retain flexible pawn structures and numerous piece-development options.
Typical Move-order
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nc6 5.Nc3 Qc7 6.Be2 Nf6 7.0-0 a6 (most common) The move 6.Be2 sidesteps sharper lines such as 6.Be3 or 6.f4, while 6…Nf6 develops the king’s knight and asks White how he intends to protect the e4-pawn.
Strategic Themes
- Controlled Flexibility. Black delays …d7-d6 or …d7-d5, retaining the option to choose the most favourable central pawn structure once White’s plan is clearer.
- Minor-piece Manoeuvres. The c6-knight often reroutes to e5 or b4, while White’s knights may head for b3, d4, or f5 squares.
- Queenside Expansion. …a6 and …b5 can gain space and create a safe haven on b7 for Black’s bishop once …Bb4 or …Be7 has been played.
- King Safety. Both kings generally castle short, producing an asymmetrical yet strategically balanced struggle rather than an immediate opposite-side pawn storm.
Historical Background
The variation is named after the Soviet Grandmaster Mark Taimanov, who used the system extensively in the 1950s–1970s. His aim was to craft a universal Sicilian repertoire that avoided early pawn commitments. The specific line with 6.Be2 grew popular in the 1990s as an antidote to the ultra-theoretical English Attack (6.Be3 or 6.f3) and the sharp Scheveningen-style positions.
Model Games
- Taimanov – Smyslov, USSR ch 1956. The originator uses his system to neutralise a former world champion and wins a long endgame.
- Carlsen – Radjabov, Wijk aan Zee 2008. Future World Champion Magnus Carlsen employs 6.Be2 to keep a small pull and converts an extra pawn in a rook ending.
Typical Plans for Each Side
- White: Rapid development, castle kingside, sometimes f2-f4 followed by Bf3 to press the d5-square; queenside minority attack with a2-a4 against …b5; preparing e4-e5 to gain space.
- Black: …a6-b5-Bb7 for pressure on the e4-pawn; timely central breaks with …d6-d5 or …d7-d5; piece counterplay on the c-file after …Qc7 and …Rc8; exchanging one pair of minor pieces to relieve cramped positions.
Common Tactical Motifs
- The …Bb4 pin on the c3-knight, exploiting the undefended e4-pawn.
- Knight leaps to g4 (after Be2-g4 exchange ideas) targeting e3 or f2 depending on White’s setup.
- The exchange sacrifice …Rxc3 in positions where the c3-knight is overloaded protecting e4 and a2.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Mark Taimanov’s affinity for musical harmony influenced his opening style; he famously said he liked positions where “pieces can sing together like instruments of an orchestra.”
- When Garry Kasparov faced the IBM computer Deep Blue in 1997, the engine recommended the Taimanov as one of its top defensive choices against 1.e4, valuing its flexibility.
- Several top players—including Viswanathan Anand and Fabiano Caruana—have alternated between 6.Be2 and sharper 6.Be3 lines as a practical weapon to avoid forcing draws in high-level practice.
Why Choose This Line?
For White, 6.Be2 avoids early theoretical duels while preserving full middlegame complexity. For Black, 6…Nf6 steers the game into an uncommitted structure where middlegame understanding outweighs computer memorisation—a perfect fit for players who relish manoeuvring battles.
Further Study
Recommended resources include Mark Taimanov’s own monograph “The Sicilian Defence” and the modern database series “Chessable: Lifetime Repertoires – Taimanov.” Review current elite games for the freshest ideas: [[Chart|Rating|Classical|2000-2023]] shows its steady usage among 2600+ grandmasters.