Sicilian: Taimanov, 6.Be3 Nf6

Sicilian Defence: Taimanov Variation, 6.Be3 Nf6

Definition

The line 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nc6 5.Nc3 Qc7 6.Be3 Nf6 is one of the main branches of the Taimanov System of the Sicilian Defence. The characteristic features are Black’s early …Qc7 and …Nc6 without committing the kingside knight until move six, after which Black challenges the e4–pawn and prepares flexible pawn structures reminiscent of both the Scheveningen and the Najdorf. White’s 6.Be3 marks the beginning of an “English Attack–style” setup (Be3, Qd2, 0-0-0, f3, g4) but with subtler timing than in the Najdorf.

Typical Move Order

Main line: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nc6 5.Nc3 Qc7 6.Be3 Nf6

Strategic Ideas

• For White
  • Expand on the kingside with f3, g4, g5, and sometimes h4-h5, aiming for a direct attack on the Black king.
  • Maintain central control with f3–e4 pawns, often followed by 0-0-0 to connect the rooks quickly.
  • Exploit d6 and c5 squares if Black exchanges on d4 or plays …d6.
• For Black
  • Counter in the centre with …d5 or …d6 followed by …Be7 and short castling.
  • Create queenside counterplay with …a6 and …b5, sometimes echoing Najdorf themes.
  • Delay committing the dark-squared bishop to keep options between …Bb4, …Bc5, or …Be7.

Common Continuations

• 7.f3 a6 8.Qd2 Be7 9.0-0-0 0-0 — the classical English-Attack structure.
• 7.Ndb5 Qb8 8.Qd2 a6 9.Nd4 Bb4 — a sharper line where Black provokes piece play on the queenside.
• 7.g4!? — an immediate pawn storm, occasionally played to bypass the preparatory f3.

Historical Notes

Named after Soviet grandmaster Mark Taimanov, who employed the early …Qc7 idea in the 1950s. Although Taimanov’s own favourite reply to 6.Be3 was 6…a6, the 6…Nf6 branch became fashionable in the late 1980s thanks to Anatoly Karpov and later Garry Kasparov, who liked its mixture of solidity and dynamism. The variation resurfaced in elite practice when Magnus Carlsen used it successfully against Viswanathan Anand (World Championship 2014, Game 8) to neutralise White’s preparation.

Illustrative Game

Gelfand – Kasparov, Linares 1993, displayed the potency of Black’s counterplay:

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Mark Taimanov was also a world-class concert pianist; he once joked that his two greatest loves, music and chess, “both begin with the move e4.”
• Because 6.Be3 Nf6 echoes the Scheveningen, early authors sometimes called it the “Scheveningen-Taimanov Hybrid.”
• Computer engines rate the line as among Black’s soundest Sicilians: in sample Lichess elite games from 2018-23 it scores a healthy 48 % for Black.

When to Choose This Line

Opt for 6…Nf6 if you want:

1. A balance between strategic depth and tactical chances.
2. To avoid heavily analysed 6…a6 theory while keeping an eye on both …d5 and …d6 possibilities.
3. Flexibility to transpose into Scheveningen, Najdorf, or even Four Knights structures depending on White’s setup.

Key Takeaways

• The variation is a modern, dynamic response to 1.e4 that offers Black multiple pawn-structure choices.
• White’s standard plan is kingside expansion, but timing is everything; premature pawn storms can backfire.
• Black’s thematic counter is central pressure with …d5 and queenside expansion with …a6–b5.