Sicilian: Taimanov 6.Be3 a6 7.a3

Sicilian: Taimanov, 6.Be3 a6 7.a3

Definition

This is a sub-variation of the Sicilian Defence, Taimanov System. The usual move order is: 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nc6 5. Nc3 Qc7 (or 5…Nge7) 6. Be3 a6 7.a3. White’s 6.Be3 introduces the so-called “English Attack” set-up, while 7.a3 is a prophylactic nuance aimed at controlling the b4-square and preparing a later b2–b4 advance.

Typical Move Order

The most common sequence leading to the position is:

      1. e4 c5
      2. Nf3 e6
      3. d4 cxd4
      4. Nxd4 Nc6
      5. Nc3 Qc7
      6. Be3 a6
      7. a3
    

Strategic Ideas

• White’s plan
  • 7.a3 prevents …Bb4, which could pin the knight on c3 or exchange it.
  • Supports the queenside pawn storm b2–b4–b5, gaining space and opening lines against Black’s queenside.
  • Keeps the option to castle long (O-O-O) and launch the typical English-Attack pawn thrusts f2–f3, g2–g4, h2–h4 on the kingside.
• Black’s counterplay
  • …Nf6, …d6 and …Be7 followed by …0-0 gives a solid Scheveningen-type formation.
  • Queenside play with …b5 (often prepared by …a6 as in the diagram) mirrors White’s expansion and can generate counterplay on the c- and b-files.
  • Central break …d5 is another thematic idea, especially if White delays f2–f3.

Historical & Theoretical Significance

The Taimanov Variation (named after Soviet grandmaster Mark Taimanov) became popular in the 1950s and 60s as a flexible reply to 1.e4. The specific line with 6.Be3 exploded in the 1990s when players such as Garry Kasparov, Vishy Anand and Alexei Shirov used various forms of the English Attack to great effect. The inclusion of 7.a3 is a modern refinement, gaining traction in the 21st century; it sidesteps certain sharp lines beginning with …Nf6 and …Ng4 that target the bishop on e3.

Model Game

Caruana – So, London Chess Classic 2016
Caruana employed 7.a3 to keep flexible options. After a tense middlegame the game was eventually drawn, but the opening phase is a good illustration of the typical plans for both sides.

Sample Continuations

1. 7…Nf6 8.f4 d6 9.Qf3 Be7 10.O-O-O, heading for opposite-side castling and mutual pawn storms.
2. 7…Nf6 8.f4 d5!? 9.e5 Nxd4 10.Bxd4 Nd7, an early central break that tries to exploit White’s slightly loose queenside.
3. 7…Nf6 8.f4 e5 9.Nf3 exf4 10.Bxf4 d6, entering a Scheveningen structure with reduced central tension.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Mark Taimanov not only lent his name to this system but also to a set of famous recordings as a concert pianist; he said he would practice piano scales during adjournments!
• The quiet-looking 7.a3 was once thought “harmless,” but computer engines have discovered venomous attacking resources for White, reviving the line at top level around 2012.
• Because 7.a3 controls b4 so early, Black players sometimes delay … a6, hoping to transpose to a Kan-type structure (…a6 without …Nc6) and thus alter White’s plans.

Summary

The Sicilian Taimanov with 6.Be3 a6 7.a3 is a rich, flexible battleground. White combines prophylaxis (stopping …Bb4) with ambitious queenside expansion, while Black retains a robust centre and multiple counterattacking schemes. Its strategic depth and dynamic possibilities keep it firmly in the repertoires of world-class grandmasters and club players alike.