Sicilian Defense: Taimanov Variation
ECO B46 · Sicilian Defense · flexible · intermediate
The Sicilian Defense: Taimanov Variation (B46) is a flexible chess opening in the Sicilian Defense family, played by Black. It arises after the moves 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nc6 5. Nc3 a6. Flexible with e6 and a6. Avoids certain main lines. Recommended for intermediate players.
Moves: 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nc6 5. Nc3 a6
About this opening
The Taimanov Variation pairs ...e6 and ...Nc6 with a very flexible queen development, often via ...Qc7, keeping a choice between several structures. This flexibility, delaying any pawn commitment, complicates White's task and gives Black rich counterplay. Grandmaster Mark Taimanov lent it his name and demonstrated all of its strategic resources.