Taimanov Variation - Sicilian Defense
Taimanov Variation
Definition
The Taimanov Variation is a family of opening systems named after the Soviet grandmaster and concert pianist Mark Taimanov (1926-2016). In modern usage the term almost always refers to the Sicilian Defence line 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nc6. Taimanov’s idea was to combine the solidity of the Scheveningen with maximum move-order flexibility: Black keeps several setup choices in reserve while contesting the centre from move two.
Typical Move Order
The canonical sequence is:
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nc6
Black develops the queen-side knight first, bolstering the d4-square and pointing at the vital e5-outpost, while the e6-pawn prepares either a rapid …d5 break or an eventual Scheveningen structure with …d6.
Strategic Ideas
- Flexibility – Black withholds …Nf6 and …d6, choosing an appropriate setup only after seeing White’s intentions.
- Central Breaks – The signature thrust …d5 can equalise instantly if timed well; otherwise Black can transpose to a Scheveningen with …d6.
- Active Bishops – Unlike many Sicilians, the c8-bishop often emerges outside the pawn chain to b4 or c5, creating pins and counter-pressure.
- Dynamic Tension – Because the pawn structure is not fixed, the middlegame can morph into sharp attacks, Maroczy Bind squeezes, or hanging-pawn endings.
Main Continuations
- 5.Nc3 – the critical line. Black chooses among
- 5…Qc7 (Classical Taimanov)
- 5…Nf6 6.Be2 Bb4 (Vybornov Variation)
- 5…d6 (Scheveningen transposition)
- 5…Bb4 (Kasparov Variation)
- 5.Nb5 – targets c7; often leads to Maroczy structures after 5…d6 6.c4 Nf6.
- 5.c4 – Keres Variation, where White clamps the centre with a Maroczy Bind.
Historical Significance
Introduced by Mark Taimanov in the 1950s, the variation became a fully fledged top-level weapon when Garry Kasparov used it in his World Championship matches against Anatoly Karpov (1984-1987). Its reputation as a flexible, sound and fighting Sicilian has kept it in the repertoires of modern elites such as Anish Giri and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave.
Illustrative Game
Karpov – Kasparov, World Championship (Game 6), Moscow 1985. Kasparov’s 8…Bb4!? and the thematic …d5 break showed how the Taimanov provides counterplay even against the world champion in match conditions.
Typical Plans
- White’s Themes
- Rapid development with Be3, Qd2, 0-0-0 and pawn storms g4–h4.
- Maroczy Bind: c4 + e4 to restrain …d5.
- Pressure on the e6- or d6-pawn after a Scheveningen transposition.
- Black’s Themes
- Central break …d5 in one go or prepared by …a6, …Qc7, …Nf6.
- Active light-squared bishop on b4/c5.
- Flexible castling; sometimes queenside to mirror White’s attack.
- If facing the Bind, counter with …b5 and piece activity.
Other Openings Named after Taimanov
- Nimzo-Indian Defence – 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 Nc6.
- Benoni Defence – 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 c5 4.d5 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.Nc3 g6 7.e4 Bg7 8.h3 (Modern-Taimanov).
Interesting Facts
- Mark Taimanov balanced a chess career with life as a professional concert pianist; the variation reflects his taste for harmony and flexibility.
- Journalists nicknamed the line “Kasparov’s Swiss-army knife” after it repeatedly rescued him in title matches.
- Anish Giri defeated Magnus Carlsen with the Taimanov in the 2017 Tata Steel playoff, underscoring its modern relevance.
- Engine analysis has revived lines once considered dubious, e.g. 7…Nf6!? after 5.Nc3 Qc7 6.Be2 a6 7.0-0.
Common Traps
- 6.Ndb5?! (after 5.Nc3 Qc7) can backfire: 6…Qb8! hitting e4 and preparing …a6.
- Premature g-pawn launches by White may allow the tactical …Nxd4! if Black has pinned the f3-knight with …Bb4.
Conclusion
The Sicilian Taimanov epitomises contemporary opening philosophy: keep options open, generate central tension, and rely on accurate calculation. Whether you are a club player seeking a manageable Sicilian or a grandmaster hunting for fresh complexity, the Taimanov Variation offers a rich, dynamic battleground.